Search Dictionary
Definition of quadriceps

quadriceps

/ˈkwɑːdrɪsɛps/
quad · ri · ceps
Plural:quadriceps
•
Adjective:quadricipital
JUMP TO:

quadriceps Lexical Profile

quadriceps Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The large, four-part extensor muscle group at the front of the thigh that acts to extend the knee and flex the hip.

Example

"The physical therapist recommended targeted squats and lunges to strengthen the athlete's injured quadriceps."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for quadriceps

Word Nuance & Usage

Although ending in '-s', 'quadriceps' is a singular noun (from the Latin for 'four-headed') and takes a singular verb when referring to the muscle group of a single leg; its plural can be either 'quadriceps' or 'quadricepses'.

• Nearby Words

quadratrix
quadrennial
quadrennially
quadriceps
quadrilateral
quadrilingual
quadrillion

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 19th century from Modern Latin 'quadriceps' (short for 'quadriceps femoris'), from Latin 'quadri-' ('four') and '-ceps' ('-headed', from 'caput', meaning 'head'), referring to the four distinct muscle bellies that form the muscle group.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Quadriceps. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/quadriceps
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.