paraplegia

[ par-uh-plee-jee-uh, -juh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. paralysis of both lower limbs due to spinal disease or injury. Compare quadriplegia ( def ).

paraplegia

/ ˌpærəˈpliːdʒə /

noun

1. See quadriplegia, hemiplegia
   pathol paralysis of the lower half of the body, usually as the result of disease or injury of the spine Compare hemiplegia quadriplegia

paraplegia

/ păr′ə-plē′jē-ə /

1. Paralysis of the lower part of the body, caused by injury to the spinal cord.

Other Words From

• par·a·ple·gic [par-, uh, -, plee, -jik, -, plej, -ik], adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraplegia¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from New Latin, from Ionic Greek (Hippocrates) paraplēgíē; “hemiplegia”; para- ¹, -plegia

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraplegia¹

C17: via New Latin from Greek: a blow on one side, from para- ¹+ plēssein to strike

Example Sentences

In 2011, researchers at the University of Louisville in Kentucky restored the ability to stand to a 23-year-old man with paraplegia.

From Science News

For people with paraplegia, who have use of their arms and upper body, sexual function was the highest priority.

From Science News

The future of paraplegia has a new outlook, thanks to an incredible bionic suit helping stand, walk, and even climb stairs.

From The Daily Beast

On the 9th of August he had an attack of paraplegia, and although he partially recovered from it, it made a marked change in him.

From Project Gutenberg

They may occur in the legs with the production of complete paraplegia.

From Project Gutenberg

Affections of the Spinal Cord are extremely rare, but paraplegia from myelitis has been observed.

From Project Gutenberg

In the vertebræ, it is attended with a painful form of paraplegia, which may involve the lower or all four extremities.

From Project Gutenberg

In the vertebral column, hydatids give rise to angular deformity and paraplegia.

From Project Gutenberg