quadriceps

[kwod-ruh-seps]

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.

quadriceps

/ ˈkwɒdrɪˌsɛps, ˌkwɒdrɪˈsɪpɪtəl /

noun

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

quadriceps

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.

Other Word Forms

• quadricipital adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadriceps¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadriceps¹

C19: New Latin, from _quadri- + -ceps as in _biceps

Example Sentences

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

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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.

Read more on Seattle Times

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

Read more on Seattle Times