quadriceps

American  

[kwod-ruh-seps] / ˈkwɒd rəˌsɛps /

noun

Anatomy.

• quadricepses,
  plural
• quadriceps
  plural

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 /

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

Derived Forms

• quadricipital
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• quadriceps
  plural
• quadricepses
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of quadriceps

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

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Explanation

The quadriceps is the big muscle at the front of a person's thigh. Without a quadriceps, you wouldn't be able to stick your leg straight out, walk, jump, or bend. The word quadriceps is often abbreviated as quad. It works in close conjunction with the knee, helping to extend the leg for moving and walking. This major muscle got the name quadriceps from quadri-, "consisting of four" in Latin, because of its division into four very distinct parts. Quadriceps is literally "four-headed."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

quadriceps

Hunt left that day unable to walk, and a scan would show she had fully ruptured a tendon in her quadriceps.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026

Research suggests strength exercises targeting the quadriceps, a group of muscles at the front of the thigh, are particularly effective at reducing joint pain.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026

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 ● Jun. 27, 2025

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 ● Jun. 27, 2025

I tried to follow his directions to the letter, but I felt a shooting pain through the front of my right quadriceps and down the back of my left hamstring.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

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