quadriplegic

noun

quad·​ri·​ple·​gic ˌkwä-drə-ˈplē-jik 

: one affected with partial or complete paralysis of both the arms and legs especially as a result of spinal cord injury or disease in the region of the neck

quadriplegia

ˌkwä-drə-ˈplē-j(ē-)ə 

noun

Did you know?

Quadriplegia is the result of injury or illness, almost always affecting the spine. Though a paraplegic has lost the use only of his or her legs, quadriplegics are paralyzed in all four limbs. Today voice-activated wheelchairs help the quadriplegic get around, and houses can be equipped with similar systems to operate lights and appliances; monkeys have even been trained to assist quadriplegics with everyday tasks. The work of the quadriplegic actor Christopher Reeve has led to remarkable advances in developing new nerve connections, enabling some determined paraplegics and quadriplegics to walk again.

Examples of quadriplegic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Living with quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy hasn’t stopped the model and author from accomplishing bucket list-level feats. —Tina Charisma, Essence, 26 Sep. 2024

Stingley’s neck was broken on impact, leaving the player a quadriplegic for the rest of his life and prompting the league to consider rule changes to protect its athletes on the field. —Tim Griffin, Artforum, 1 May 2022

Warner is the home of Superman and the films that shot the unknown actor to stardom before a tragic horseback riding accident left him a quadriplegic dependent on a ventilator to breathe. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2024

Eight years later, after living an inspiring life as a quadriplegic, Christopher died of heart failure at the age of 52 in 2004. —Gillian Telling, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

quadriplegia, from New Latin

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

quadriplegic

noun

quad·​ri·​ple·​gic ˌkwäd-rə-ˈplē-jik 

: a person who is paralyzed in both arms and both legs

Medical Definition

quadriplegic

1 of 2 adjective

quad·​ri·​ple·​gic ˌkwäd-rə-ˈplē-jik 

: of, relating to, or affected with quadriplegia

quadriplegic patients

quadriplegic

2 of 2 noun

: one affected with quadriplegia

called also tetraplegic