orthodontics

[ awr-thuh-don-tiks ]
/ ˌɔr θəˈdɒn tɪks /

noun (used with a singular verb)

the branch of dentistry dealing with the prevention and correction of irregular teeth, as by means of braces.

Origin of orthodontics

First recorded in 1905–10; orth- + -odont + -ics

OTHER WORDS FROM orthodontics

or·tho·don·tic, or·tho·don·tal, adjective or·tho·don·tist, noun

Example sentences from the Web for orthodontist

  • In theory, a married born-again Christian orthodontist who lives in Costa Rica.

    Who's the Happiest? |Anneli Rufus |August 16, 2010 |DAILY BEAST
  • "Lefty is going to take me to the orthodontist this afternoon," she said.

    The Right Time |Walter Bupp

British Dictionary definitions for orthodontist

orthodontics

orthodontia (ˌɔːθəʊˈdɒntɪə)

/ (ˌɔːθəʊˈdɒntɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the branch of dentistry concerned with preventing or correcting irregularities of the teeth Also called: dental orthopaedics

Derived forms of orthodontics

orthodontic, adjective orthodontist, noun

Medical definitions for orthodontist (1 of 2)

orthodontist
[ ôr′thə-dŏntĭst ]

n.

A person who specializes in orthodontics.

Medical definitions for orthodontist (2 of 2)

orthodontics
[ ôr′thə-dŏntĭks ]

n.

The dental specialty and practice of preventing and correcting irregularities of the teeth, as by the use of braces. orthodontia orthodonture

Other words from orthodontics

or′tho•dontic adj. or′tho•dontist n.