Paraplegia: meaning, definitions and examples

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paraplegia

 

[ ˌpærəˈpliːdʒə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Paraplegia is a medical condition characterized by the impairment of motor or sensory function of the lower half of the body. It typically results from spinal cord injuries or diseases affecting the spinal cord. Individuals with paraplegia may experience a complete or incomplete loss of sensation and movement in their legs and lower body. The causes can vary, including traumatic injuries, congenital conditions, or diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Synonyms

lower limb paralysis, motor impairment, spinal cord injury.

Examples of usage

  • The athlete was diagnosed with paraplegia after a serious injury.
  • Rehabilitation can help individuals with paraplegia regain some functionality.
  • Awareness of paraplegia is important for accessibility in public spaces.

Translations

Translations of the word "paraplegia" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paraplegia

🇮🇳 पैरालिसिस

🇩🇪 Paraplegie

🇮🇩 paraplegia

🇺🇦 параліч нижніх кінцівок

🇵🇱 paraplegia

🇯🇵 下半身麻痺

🇫🇷 paraplégie

🇪🇸 paraplejia

🇹🇷 parapleji

🇰🇷 하반신 마비

🇸🇦 شلل نصفي

🇨🇿 paraplegie

🇸🇰 paraplegia

🇨🇳 下肢瘫痪

🇸🇮 paraplegija

🇮🇸 paraplegia

🇰🇿 параплегия

🇬🇪 პარაპლეგია

🇦🇿 paraplegiya

🇲🇽 paraplejía

Etymology

The word 'paraplegia' originates from the Greek word 'paraplegia', which is a combination of 'para-' meaning 'beside' or 'alongside' and 'plēgē' meaning 'stroke' or 'blow'. This term was first used in medical contexts in the 19th century to describe the condition resulting from injuries affecting the spinal cord. As understanding of the nervous system and spinal injuries advanced, the definition of paraplegia became more specified to refer to paralysis that occurs in the lower part of the body, sparing the arms. Over time, advances in medical science and rehabilitation practices have significantly influenced the perceptions and treatment options available for individuals diagnosed with paraplegia.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,766, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.