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orthodontics

or·tho·don·tics

orthodontics

 
pronunciation:
or th dan tihks
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word History, Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: plural noun
definition: (used with a sing. verb) the branch of dentistry that deals with the correct alignment and position of teeth; orthodontia.
 
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derivations: orthodontic (adj.), orthodontist (n.)
Word History
The word orthodontics was coined in 1909. It was formed from orthos and odontos, two ancient Greek words that mean "straight" and "tooth."
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