‖ prosthesis
(ˈprɒsθɪsɪs, -ˈθiːsɪs)
[L., a. Gr. πρόσθεσις addition, f. προστιθέναι to put to, add. Cf. F. prosthèse.]
1. Gram. The addition of a letter or syllable at the beginning of a word.
(The qualification ‘at the beginning’ may have arisen from associating προς- with προ-.)
| 1553 T. Wilson Rhet. (1580) 180 Prosthesis. Of Addition. As thus: He did all to berattle hym. Wherin appeareth that a sillable is added to this woorde (rattle). 1657 J. Smith Myst. Rhet. 170 Prosthesis... A figure (contrary to Aphæresis) whereby a letter or syllable is added to the beginning of a word. 1876 T. Le M. Douse Grimm's Law 208 ‘Prosthesis’ belongs to a..class of terms..denoting arbitrary processes, whose intrusion into the realm of language should be viewed with..suspicion. |
2. Surg. (usu. pronounced prɒsˈθiːsɪs). a. That part of surgery which consists in supplying deficiencies, as by artificial limbs or teeth, or by other means.
| 1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey) s.v., In Surgery Prosthesis is taken for that which fills up what is wanting, as is to be seen in fistulous and hollow Ulcers, filled up with Flesh by that Art: Also the making of artificial Legs and Arms, when the natural ones are lost. 1902 Encycl. Brit. XXVII. 417/2 Dental Prosthesis. |
b. (Pl. prostheses.) An artificial replacement for a part of the body.
| 1900 in Dorland Med. Dict. 1926 T. G. Orr Mod. Methods Amputation vi. 90 These prostheses, while excellent, are not so practical for use in civil life because they are usually not available. 1945 Thomas & Haddan Amputation Prosthesis vii. 262 If the leg amputee is to be a successful member of society he must first learn to walk and travel on his prosthesis. 1959 New Scientist 10 Dec. 1181/2 (caption) A plastic prosthesis has been inserted and blood flow restored. 1959 L. Smith One Hour (1960) v. 66 Her hand touched the empty trouser leg... It was before I had learned to use the prosthesis. 1976 Evening Post (Nottingham) 15 Dec. 22/3 (Advt.), Had a mastectomy? We offer a discreet and efficient fitting service. Stockists of the Camp Tru-life Prosthesis. 1977 D. Fry Homo Loquens x. 140 Everyone understands the need for supplying prostheses to, say, a thalidomide baby at the earliest possible opportunity. |