An amputee is a person who has had a limb or limbs removed due to an injury, disease, or medical condition. This term is used to describe individuals who have undergone amputation of one or more limbs, including arms, legs, hands, or feet. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of amputee, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
An amputee is defined as a person who has had a limb or limbs removed surgically or traumatically. The term is also used to describe individuals who have congenital limb deficiencies, such as missing arms or legs at birth.
Origin
The word amputee comes from the Latin word “amputare,” which means “to cut off.” The term was first used in the late 19th century to describe individuals who had undergone amputation surgery.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an amputee is “a person who has had a limb amputated.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines an amputee as “a person who has had a limb removed by amputation.”
Associations
The term amputee is often associated with individuals who have lost a limb due to a traumatic injury, such as a car accident or war-related injuries. However, it is also used to describe individuals who have had limbs removed due to medical conditions such as diabetes or cancer.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for amputee include:
- Amputated person.
- Limbless person.
- Disabled person.
- Handicapped person.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for amputee, as it is a specific term used to describe a certain group of individuals.
The same root words
Some words with the same root as amputee include:
- Amputation.
- Amputator.
- Amputative.
Example Sentences
- After the accident, John became an amputee and had to learn how to use a prosthetic leg.
- The organization provides support and resources for amputees and their families.
- Mary was born without a hand and has been an amputee since birth.
- The veteran lost his arm in combat and is now an amputee.
- The doctor recommended amputation to prevent the spread of the cancer.