quadriceps
noun
quad·ri·ceps ˈkwä-drə-ˌseps 
plural quadriceps also quadricepses
: the greater extensor muscle of the front of the thigh that is divided into four parts
Example Sentences
He felt a pain in his right quadriceps.
Recent Examples on the Web The wall sit exercise is a lower-body move that works your quadriceps, or the muscles in the front of your upper thighs, Williams says. 
Christa Sgobba, SELF, 24 Aug. 2022 The attack left the teen with massive damage to her upper right leg, causing Addison to lose her quadriceps, according to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Joe Mario Pedersen, Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2022 This exercise strengthens the quadriceps, the large muscle at the front of the thigh, and stabilizes the knee joint by keeping the patella, or kneecap, in place through the movement. Stephanie Mansour, CNN, 18 Dec. 2020 For example, Blummenfelt’s lactate threshold occurs at a muscle-oxygen level of 18 to 19 percent, measured on his quadriceps. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 18 July 2022 Through the years, Strive’s product has evolved to where now the company is targeting the evaluation of muscles, particularly the glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps. Tim Casey, Forbes, 29 June 2022 Briefly: Mike Yastrzemski missed his third straight exhibition after experiencing quadriceps tightness but is making progress and is expected to return to the lineup soon. ... John Shea, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Apr. 2022 That’s why Orme and Bailey will take you through beginner-friendly options (as well as suggest modifications) for foam rolling moves to release tension in your back, IT band, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 4 May 2022 Indeed, bouldering takes a lot of strength, especially in your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and of course your back, arms, and grip. Perri O. Blumberg, Men's Health, 30 Apr. 2022 See More
Christa Sgobba, SELF, 24 Aug. 2022 The attack left the teen with massive damage to her upper right leg, causing Addison to lose her quadriceps, according to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Joe Mario Pedersen, Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2022 This exercise strengthens the quadriceps, the large muscle at the front of the thigh, and stabilizes the knee joint by keeping the patella, or kneecap, in place through the movement. Stephanie Mansour, CNN, 18 Dec. 2020 For example, Blummenfelt’s lactate threshold occurs at a muscle-oxygen level of 18 to 19 percent, measured on his quadriceps. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 18 July 2022 Through the years, Strive’s product has evolved to where now the company is targeting the evaluation of muscles, particularly the glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps. Tim Casey, Forbes, 29 June 2022 Briefly: Mike Yastrzemski missed his third straight exhibition after experiencing quadriceps tightness but is making progress and is expected to return to the lineup soon. ... John Shea, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Apr. 2022 That’s why Orme and Bailey will take you through beginner-friendly options (as well as suggest modifications) for foam rolling moves to release tension in your back, IT band, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 4 May 2022 Indeed, bouldering takes a lot of strength, especially in your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and of course your back, arms, and grip. Perri O. Blumberg, Men's Health, 30 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin quadricipit-, quadriceps, from quadri- + -cipit-, -ceps (as in bicipit-, biceps biceps)
First Known Use
1840, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
quadriceps
noun
quad·ri·ceps ˈkwäd-rə-ˌseps
: a large extensor muscle of the front of the thigh divided above into four parts which include the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis, and which unite in a single tendon to enclose the patella as a sesamoid bone at the knee and insert as the patellar tendon into the tuberosity of the tibia
called also quadriceps femoris, quadriceps muscle