quadriceps

[ kwod-ruh-seps ]
/ ˈkwɒd rəˌsɛps /

noun, plural quad·ri·ceps·es [kwod-ruh-sep-siz] /ˈkwɒd rəˌsɛp sɪz/, quad·ri·ceps. Anatomy.

a large muscle in front of the thigh, the action of which extends the leg or bends the hip joint.

Origin of quadriceps

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

quadric, quadric surface, quadricentenary, quadricentennial, quadricep, quadriceps, quadriceps muscle of thigh, quadriceps reflex, quadricycle, quadriennial, quadriennium

Example sentences from the Web for quadriceps

British Dictionary definitions for quadriceps

quadriceps
/ (ˈkwɒdrɪˌsɛps) /

noun plural -cepses (-ˌsɛpsɪz) or -ceps

anatomy a large four-part muscle of the front of the thigh, which extends the leg

Derived forms of quadriceps

quadricipital (ˌkwɒdrɪˈsɪpɪtəl), adjective

Word Origin for quadriceps

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

Medical definitions for quadriceps

quadriceps
[ kwŏd′rĭ-sĕps′ ]

n.

The large four-part extensor muscle at the front of the thigh.

adj.

Having four heads, said of certain muscles.

Scientific definitions for quadriceps

quadriceps
[ kwŏd′rĭ-sĕps′ ]

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.