quadriplegia

[ kwod-ruh-plee-jee-uh, -juh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. paralysis of all four limbs or of the entire body below the neck. Compare paraplegia ( def ).

quadriplegia

/ -dʒə; ˌkwɒdrɪˈpliːdʒɪə /

noun

1. pathol paralysis of all four limbs, usually as the result of injury to the spine Also calledtetraplegia Compare hemiplegia paraplegia

quadriplegia

/ kwŏd′rə-plē′jē-ə /

1. Paralysis of the body from the neck down, caused by injury to the spinal cord.

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadriplegia¹

First recorded in 1920–25; quadri- + -plegia

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadriplegia¹

C20: from quadri- + Greek plēgē a blow, from plēssein to strike

Example Sentences

For people with quadriplegia, who have impairments from the neck down, hand and arm function were most important.

From Science News

Graduates of what was dubbed “The Monkey College” continue to help people with quadriplegia perform tasks like opening bottles, retrieving objects, turning pages, scratching itches and adjusting limbs in a wheelchair.

From Ozy