Definition of paraplegia

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< paraphysis

parapodium >

par·a·ple·gi·a    (pr-plj-, -j) KEY 

NOUN:

Complete paralysis of the lower half of the body including both legs, usually caused by damage to the spinal cord.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Greek dialectal paraplgi, hemiplegia, from paraplssesthai, paraplg-, to be paralyzed, from paraplssein, to strike on one side : para-, beside ; see para-¹ + plssein, to strike; see plk-² in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
para·plegic  (-pljk) KEY (Adjective)(Noun)