or·tho·don·tics
 orthodontics
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- pronunciation:
- or
th
dan
tihks
- features:
- Word History, Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
plural noun |
| definition: |
(used with a singular verb) the branch of dental medicine that deals with the straightening of teeth.
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| derivations: |
orthodontic (adj.), orthodontist (n.) |
The word
orthodontics was coined in 1909. It was formed from
orthos and
odontos, two ancient Greek words that mean "straight" and "tooth."