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

First announced in November, the Convoy study aims to restore autonomy for people with disabilities, particularly quadriplegics who have lost limb control. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 31 Jan. 2025

Marc Buoniconti became a quadriplegic following a spinal cord injury while playing in a 1985 college football game. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025

Buckwalter, who's 68 and quadriplegic, relies on his powerchair to move around and be independent. —Andrea Pineda-Salgado, ABC News, 24 Jan. 2025

His brother had severe brain damage from a car accident in 1976 and was a quadriplegic. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Dec. 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