Wheelchair: meaning, definitions and examples
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wheelchair
[ ˈwiːlʧɛr ]
medical device
A wheelchair is a chair fitted with wheels, designed to assist individuals with mobility impairments. It allows users to move independently or be transported by others without walking. Wheelchairs can be manual, requiring someone to push or the user to propel with their arms, or powered, with motors to assist movement. They are essential for enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities, providing them access to various environments and activities.
Synonyms
chair on wheels, mobility aid, rollchair
Examples of usage
- She uses a wheelchair to navigate the city.
- The hospital provided a wheelchair for the patient.
- He felt free in his new powered wheelchair.
- Accessibility improvements include wheelchair ramps.
Translations
Translations of the word "wheelchair" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cadeira de rodas
🇮🇳 व्हीलचेयर
🇩🇪 Rollstuhl
🇮🇩 kursi roda
🇺🇦 інвалідний візок
🇵🇱 wózek inwalidzki
🇯🇵 車椅子
🇫🇷 fauteuil roulant
🇪🇸 silla de ruedas
🇹🇷 tekerlekli sandalye
🇰🇷 휠체어
🇸🇦 كرسي متحرك
🇨🇿 invalidní vozík
🇸🇰 invalidný vozík
🇨🇳 轮椅
🇸🇮 invalidski voziček
🇮🇸 hjólstóll
🇰🇿 арба
🇬🇪 კალათბურთის სანახაობა
🇦🇿 təkerlekli skaf
🇲🇽 silla de ruedas
Etymology
The term 'wheelchair' has its origins in the early 17th century, when the first known wheeled chairs were created to help transport the disabled and injured. The word itself derives from the combination of 'wheel' and 'chair', reflecting the fundamental design that provides mobility. The concept of a wheeled chair can be traced back even further, with designs seen in ancient cultures, but it was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that wheelchairs became standardized for personal use. Innovation in wheelchair design has continued, leading to the development of lightweight materials and powered models, making them more accessible and practical for everyday use.