orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic ˌȯr-thə-ˈpē-dik 

variants or less commonly orthopaedic

1

: of, relating to, or employed in orthopedics

an orthopedic surgeon

orthopedic shoes

2

: marked by or affected with a skeletal deformity, disorder, or injury

an orthopedic condition

people with orthopedic problems

orthopedically

ˌȯr-thə-ˈpē-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of orthopedic in a Sentence

She was wearing orthopedic shoes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Previously, medical professionals believed that that being overweight was actually protective for spine health, according to James S. Harrop, MD, professor of neurological and orthopedic surgery and division chief of spine and peripheral nerve surgery at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 2 Aug. 2024

The actor was hospitalized for blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries, including eight ribs broken in 14 places, left tibia broken, left ankle, right clavicle broken, right shoulder broken and more. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 1 Aug. 2024

But you’re not doomed to a lifetime of orthopedic clunkers. —Kristin Canning, SELF, 9 Oct. 2024

Treatment at a Glance Treatment for conditions that cause severe elbow pain requires the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon. —Oluseun Olufade, Verywell Health, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French orthopédique, from orthopédie orthopedics, from orth- + Greek paid-, pais child — more at few

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or used in orthopedics

2

: marked by or affected with skeletal deformity, disorder, or injury

Medical Definition

orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic

variants or chiefly British orthopaedic

ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or employed in orthopedics

orthopedic surgery

orthopedic casts

2

: marked by or affected with a deformity, disorder, or injury of the skeleton and associated structures

orthopedically adverb

or chiefly British orthopaedically

-ˈpēd-i-k(ə-)lē