Orthot

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Informal shorthand for a custom or off-the-shelf device that supports or corrects the foot, ankle, or limb
2. A clipped term for an orthopedic insert or brace worn to align the body and relieve strain on joints
3. Short for an orthopedic support, such as a shoe insert or brace, used to correct posture or ease pain

Etymology: "Orthot" is a clipped form of "orthotic," a brace, insole, or support that straightens or corrects the body. Clipping, shortening a longer word to its first syllables, is a common habit in clinical and everyday speech, so the shorter form is the same device under a briefer name. The root is the Greek "orthos," meaning "straight" or "right." The same element runs through "orthodox" (right opinion), "orthography" (correct writing), and "orthodontics" (straightening teeth). "Orthosis," the Greek-derived noun behind "orthotic," means something like "making straight," which explains the medical sense: an orthotic is a device that keeps a limb or spine aligned.