Definition of hemiplegia
: total or partial paralysis of one side of the body that results from disease of or injury to the motor centers of the brain
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Hemi-, unlike semi, almost always appears in scientific or technical words, including medical terms such as this one. A hemiplegic, like a paraplegic (who has lost the use of both legs), has usually suffered brain damage, often from a wound or blood clot. Other conditions that affect one side of the body are hemihypertrophy (excessive growth on one side), hemiatrophy (wasting on one side), and hemiparesis (weakness or partial paralysis).
Origin and Etymology of hemiplegia
New Latin, from Middle Greek hēmiplēgia paralysis, from Greek hēmi- + -plēgia -plegia
First Known Use: 1600
Medical Dictionary
hemiplegia
playMedical Definition of hemiplegia
: total or partial paralysis of one side of the body that results from disease of or injury to the motor centers of the brain
Learn More about hemiplegia
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hemiplegia
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