quadriceps

[ kwod-ruh-seps ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural quad·ri·ceps·es [kwod, -r, uh, -sep-siz], quad·ri·ceps.

1. a large muscle in front of the thigh, the action of which extends the leg or bends the hip joint.

quadriceps

/ ˈkwɒdrɪˌsɛps; ˌkwɒdrɪˈsɪpɪtəl /

noun

1. anatomy a large four-part muscle of the front of the thigh, which extends the leg

quadriceps

/ kwŏd′rĭ-sĕps′ /

1. The large, four-part muscle at the front of the thigh that arises in the hip and pelvis and inserts as a strong tendon below the kneecap (patella). The quadriceps straightens and helps stabilize the knee.

Derived Forms

• quadricipital, adjective

Other Words From

• quad·ri·cip·i·tal [kwod-r, uh, -, sip, -i-tl], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadriceps¹

1830–40; < New Latin, equivalent to quadri- quadri- + -ceps; biceps

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadriceps¹

C19: New Latin, from quadri- + -ceps as in biceps

Example Sentences

It’s pretty obvious that your quadriceps and calves will be weaker right after you run 100 miles.

From Outside Online

The 32-year-old revealed in May that the injury that hampered him early in the season, when he regularly sat out the second game of back-to-backs, was a torn quadriceps.

From Washington Post

Most recently, the winger recovered from a quadriceps injury, which undermined his loan to Swansea City in the English second division, ended his prospects of a permanent move overseas and prompted a premature return to Washington.

From Washington Post

Backup point guard Ish Smith missed nearly seven weeks with a quadriceps injury.

From Washington Post

Rui Hachimura returned, too, after missing two games with right shoulder tightness, and backup center Robin Lopez played despite being a game-time decision with right quadriceps tightness.

From Washington Post

The tendon of the quadriceps femoris, at once drew the patella at least two inches above its normal position.

From Project Gutenberg

Quadriceps, kwod′ri-seps, n. the great muscle which extends the leg upon the thigh.

From Project Gutenberg

The chief physiological antagonistics of the glutei are the quadriceps femoris and tensor fascia lata.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon tapping, the quadriceps tendon caused a brisk marked contraction of thigh muscles, followed by mild clonus.

From Project Gutenberg

The quadriceps femoris is usually ruptured close to its insertion into the patella, in the attempt to avoid falling backwards.

From Project Gutenberg