Definition

A person who helps to fix broken or dislocated bones, often without being a trained doctor.

Example

The bonesetter was able to realign the patient's fractured arm without surgery.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a bonesetter?

Yeah, I think they're those people who help fix broken bones without being doctors.

Right! My friend swears by one she went to after her accident.

That's interesting! I wonder if they really know what they're doing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bonesetter → It is formed from "bone" (from Old English "ban", meaning the hard structure that makes up the skeleton) and "setter" (from the verb "set", meaning to place or put in a specified position). A bonesetter is someone who places bones back into their proper position, typically after a fracture or dislocation.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'places' ('setter') 'bones' back into their correct position — that's what a bonesetter does.

Visually Confused Words