paraplegia

noun
para·​ple·​gia | \ ˌper-ə-ˈplē-j(ē-)ə How to pronounce paraplegia (audio) , ˌpa-rə-\

Definition of paraplegia

: partial or complete paralysis of the lower half of the body with involvement of both legs that is usually due to injury or disease of the spinal cord in the thoracic or lumbar region

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Other Words from paraplegia

paraplegic \ ˌper-​ə-​ˈplē-​jik How to pronounce paraplegic (audio) , ˌpa-​rə-​ \ adjective or noun

Examples of paraplegia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Portland police are seeking the public's help to find a missing man with paraplegia who was last seen Monday. Samantha Matsumoto, OregonLive.com, "Police search for missing man with paraplegia," 17 Oct. 2017 The basic expenses of living with paraplegia are, on average, $519,520 in the first year and $68,821 each subsequent year, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. Travis M. Andrews, Washington Post, "Robotics are helping paralyzed people walk again, but the price tag is huge," 10 June 2017 Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, is paralysis that results in the partial or total loss of use of all four limbs and torso, while paraplegia does not affect the arms. Bill Lindelof, sacbee.com, "GoFundMe funds grow for paralyzed Cal Bears rugby player," 10 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'paraplegia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of paraplegia

circa 1657, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for paraplegia

New Latin, from Greek paraplēgiē hemiplegia, from para- + -plēgia -plegia

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More Definitions for paraplegia

paraplegia

noun
para·​ple·​gia | \ ˌpar-ə-ˈplē-j(ē-)ə How to pronounce paraplegia (audio) \

Medical Definition of paraplegia

: partial or complete paralysis of the lower half of the body with involvement of both legs that is usually due to injury or disease of the spinal cord in the thoracic or lumbar region