quadriceps

[ kwod-ruh-seps ]

noun,plural quad·ri·ceps·es [kwod-ruh-sep-siz], /ˈkwɒd rəˌsɛp sɪz/, quad·ri·ceps.Anatomy.
  1. a large muscle in front of the thigh, the action of which extends the leg or bends the hip joint.

Origin of quadriceps

1
1830–40; <New Latin, equivalent to quadri-quadri- + -ceps;see biceps

Other words from quadriceps

  • quad·ri·cip·i·tal [kwod-ruh-sip-i-tl], /ˌkwɒd rəˈsɪp ɪ tl/, adjective

Words Nearby quadriceps

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How to use quadriceps in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for quadriceps

quadriceps

/ (ˈkwɒdrɪˌsɛps) /


nounplural -cepses (-ˌsɛpsɪz) or -ceps
  1. anatomy a large four-part muscle of the front of the thigh, which extends the leg

Origin of quadriceps

1
C19: New Latin, from quadri- + -ceps as in biceps

Derived forms of quadriceps

  • quadricipital (ˌkwɒdrɪˈsɪpɪtəl), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for quadriceps

quadriceps

[ kwŏdrĭ-sĕps′ ]


  1. The large, four-part muscle at the front of the thigh that arises in the hip and pelvis and inserts as a strong tendon below the kneecap (patella). The quadriceps straightens and helps stabilize the knee.

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