adj
paraplegic
peh-ruh-PLEED-zhihk
Paraplegic (adj) means relating to or affected by paraplegia, paralysis of the lower body. Example: “The gym added paraplegic-accessible equipment last year.”
adj
1
Relating to or affected by paraplegia, paralysis of the lower body.
"The gym added paraplegic-accessible equipment last year."
noun
1
A person paralyzed in the lower half of the body.
"He became a paraplegic after a motorcycle accident."
How to use paraplegic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something relating to someone) whose legs and lower body are paralyzed, typically able to still use their arms.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with quadriplegic, where all four limbs are affected rather than just the lower body.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- paraplegics
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The gym added _____-accessible equipment last year.
Etymology
From para- ("beside, half") + the combining form -plegic (from Greek plege, "a stroke, blow"), the same root seen in "quadriplegic."
Rhymes for paraplegic
See all rhymes for paraplegic →Frequently asked questions
What does “paraplegic” mean?
The word “paraplegic” means relating to or affected by paraplegia, paralysis of the lower body. In plain terms, someone (or something relating to someone) whose legs and lower body are paralyzed, typically able to still use their arms.
How do you pronounce “paraplegic”?
“Paraplegic” is pronounced peh-ruh-PLEED-zhihk (/ˌpɛɹəˈplid͡ʒɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “paraplegic” in a sentence?
Here is “paraplegic” used in a sentence: “The gym added paraplegic-accessible equipment last year.”
What part of speech is “paraplegic”?
Depending on how it is used, “paraplegic” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “paraplegic” come from?
The word “paraplegic” comes from Greek. From para- ("beside, half") + the combining form -plegic (from Greek plege, "a stroke, blow"), the same root seen in "quadriplegic.".
How many meanings does “paraplegic” have?
“Paraplegic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to or affected by paraplegia, paralysis of the lower body.
