quadriceps

quad·ri·ceps  (kwdr-sps)

n.

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

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[quadri- + (bi)ceps.]

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quadri·cipi·tal (-sp-tl) adj.

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quadriceps [ˈkwɒdrɪˌsɛps]

n pl -cepses [-ˌsɛpsɪz], -ceps

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) Anatomy a large four-part muscle of the front of the thigh, which extends the leg

[New Latin, from quadri- + -ceps as in biceps]

quadricipital  [ˌkwɒdrɪˈsɪpɪt^əl] adj

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quadriceps  (kwdr-sps)

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.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

quadriceps - a muscle of the thigh that extends the leg musculus quadriceps femoris, quadriceps femoris, quad extensor, extensor muscle - a skeletal muscle whose contraction extends or stretches a body part thigh - the part of the leg between the hip and the knee