orthodontic
|or-th-o-don-tic|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌɔːrθəˈdɑːntɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌɔːθəˈdɒntɪk/
relating to straightening teeth
Etymology
Etymology Information
'orthodontic' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'orthos' meaning 'straight' and 'odous' (genitive 'odont-') meaning 'tooth'.
Historical Evolution
'orthodontic' changed from the French word 'orthodontie' and eventually became the modern English word 'orthodontic'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'relating to straightening teeth', and this meaning has remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to the branch of dentistry that deals with the correction of irregularities of the teeth and jaws.
She is receiving orthodontic treatment to straighten her teeth.
Synonyms
dentalorthopedic (in a broader medical sense)
Last updated: 2025/07/30 01:04