trismus

noun

tris·​mus ˈtriz-məs How to pronounce trismus (audio)
1
: involuntary contraction of the muscles of mastication (as in tetanus or Parkinson's disease)
2
: lockjaw

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek trismos gnashing (of teeth), from trizein to squeak, gnash; akin to Latin stridēre to creak — more at strident

First Known Use

circa 1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of trismus was circa 1693

Dictionary Entries Near trismus

triskelion

trismus

trisoctahedron

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Trismus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trismus. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

trismus

noun
tris·​mus ˈtriz-məs How to pronounce trismus (audio)
: spasm of the muscles of mastication resulting from any of various abnormal conditions or diseases (as tetanus)

More from Merriam-Webster on trismus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trismus

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