Quadriplegic: meaning, definitions and examples

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quadriplegic

 

[ kwɒdrɪˈpliːdʒɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

Quadriplegic refers to a person who is paralyzed in all four limbs, usually due to a spinal cord injury, disease, or a congenital condition. Those who are quadriplegic may have varying degrees of disability, ranging from complete loss of sensation and movement to partial ability. This condition can significantly affect daily activities, independence, and quality of life. Rehabilitation and therapy are often necessary to help individuals adapt to their condition and regain some functionality.

Synonyms

four-limbed paralysis, quadriplegia, tetraplegic.

Examples of usage

  • The quadriplegic patient requires assistance with most daily tasks.
  • Technological advances are improving the quality of life for quadriplegic individuals.
  • He became quadriplegic after the accident and had to learn new ways to communicate.

Translations

Translations of the word "quadriplegic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quadriplégico

🇮🇳 चतुर्थांगविक्लांग

🇩🇪 Quadriplegiker

🇮🇩 kuadriplegik

🇺🇦 квадриплегік

🇵🇱 kwadriplegik

🇯🇵 四肢麻痺

🇫🇷 quadriplégique

🇪🇸 cuadripléjico

🇹🇷 dört felçli

🇰🇷 사지 마비

🇸🇦 رباعي الشلل

🇨🇿 kvadriplegik

🇸🇰 kvadriplegik

🇨🇳 四肢瘫痪者

🇸🇮 kvadriplegik

🇮🇸 fjögurra lama

🇰🇿 төрт аяқтан кемшілік

🇬🇪 კვადრიპლეგიული

🇦🇿 kvadriplegik

🇲🇽 cuadripléjico

Etymology

The term 'quadriplegic' originates from the Latin roots 'quadri-' meaning 'four' and 'plegia' meaning 'paralysis.' It emerged in the medical lexicon during the 19th century as advances in medical science began to better define and categorize disabilities. Initially, medical professionals used the term to discuss individuals with paralysis affecting all four limbs, distinguishing them from those with paraplegia, who have paralysis in only the lower half of the body. The increasing recognition of spinal cord injuries and conditions leading to quadriplegia, such as multiple sclerosis and various congenital disorders, gave rise to the need for a specific term. Today, quadriplegia is an important topic in discussions about disability rights, rehabilitation, and the impact of emerging assistive technologies in enhancing independence for those affected.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,553, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.