quadriceps

American  

[kwod-ruh-seps] / ˈkwɒd rəˌsɛps /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

quadricepses, quadriceps

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

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quadriceps British  

/ ˈkwɒdrɪˌsɛps, ˌkwɒdrɪˈsɪpɪtəl /

noun

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

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quadriceps Scientific  

/ kwŏd′rĭ-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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Other Word Forms

• quadricipital adjective

Etymology

Origin of quadriceps

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

Example Sentences

A few miles later, the Webbs dropped out with muscle cramps, a pulled quadriceps and an injured knee between them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Though Freeman, who also battled a minor quadriceps injury in recent weeks, still looks hobbled while running the bases and playing defense at times, he insisted the problems aren’t injury-related.

From Los Angeles Times

The 25-year-old participated in practice Wednesday for the first time after missing the last three games with a quadriceps injury.

From Los Angeles Times

One study, conducted on participants who did a series of squats designed to make their quadriceps sore, suggested that moist heat penetrates deeper into tissue faster and works more quickly than dry heat.

From Seattle Times

Gilgeous-Alexander returned to the lineup after sitting out Oklahoma City’s previous two games with a left quadriceps contusion.

From Seattle Times