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Paraplegic: meaning, definitions and examples

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paraplegic

 

[ ˌpærəˈplidʒɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

The term 'paraplegic' refers to a person who has lost the use of their legs and often part of their trunk, typically due to a spinal cord injury or disease. This condition can significantly affect one's mobility and daily activities. Paraplegics may use wheelchairs or other assistive devices to help navigate their environment. Rehabilitation and therapy play crucial roles in helping paraplegics adapt and regain as much independence as possible.

Synonyms

disabled, handicapped, incapacitated

Examples of usage

  • The paraplegic athlete competed in the Paralympics.
  • She became paraplegic after the accident.
  • Paraplegic individuals can lead fulfilling lives.
  • Assistive technology assists paraplegics in mobility.

Translations

Translations of the word "paraplegic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paraplégico

🇮🇳 पैरालाइज्ड

🇩🇪 Querschnittgelähmter

🇮🇩 paraplegik

🇺🇦 паралізований

🇵🇱 paraplegik

🇯🇵 下半身麻痺の人

🇫🇷 paraplégique

🇪🇸 parapléjico

🇹🇷 felçli

🇰🇷 하반신 마비자

🇸🇦 مشلول نصفي

🇨🇿 paraplegik

🇸🇰 paraplegik

🇨🇳 截瘫患者

🇸🇮 paraplegik

🇮🇸 paraplegískur

🇰🇿 параплегик

🇬🇪 პარაპლეგიული

🇦🇿 paraplegik

🇲🇽 parapléjico

Etymology

The word 'paraplegic' derives from the Greek word 'paraplegia', which combines 'para-' meaning 'beside' or 'alongside' with 'plegia' meaning 'stroke' or 'paralysis'. The term was first used in medical literature to describe a patient who experiences paralysis in the lower half of the body, typically affecting both legs. This condition often arises from injury or damage to the spinal cord, often resulting from trauma, disease, or congenital factors. Over the years, advancements in medical understanding and rehabilitation practices have led to improved quality of life for many paraplegics, fostering greater societal awareness and inclusion.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,064 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.