trigeminal

[ trahy-jem-uh-nl ]
/ traɪˈdʒɛm ə nl /
Anatomy

adjective

of or relating to the trigeminal nerve.

noun

Also called trigeminal nerve. either one of the fifth pair of cranial nerves, consisting of motor fibers that innervate the muscles of mastication, and of sensory fibers that conduct impulses from the head and face to the brain.

Origin of trigeminal

1820–30; < New Latin trigemin(us) (Latin: triple, equivalent to tri- tri- + geminus twin, double) + -al1

British Dictionary definitions for trigeminal nerve (1 of 2)

trigeminal nerve

noun

either one of the fifth pair of cranial nerves, which supply the muscles of the mandible and maxilla. Their ophthalmic branches supply the area around the orbit of the eye, the nasal cavity, and the forehead

British Dictionary definitions for trigeminal nerve (2 of 2)

trigeminal
/ (traɪˈdʒɛmɪnəl) /

adjective

anatomy of or relating to the trigeminal nerve

Word Origin for trigeminal

C19: from Latin trigeminus triplet, from tri- + geminus twin

Medical definitions for trigeminal nerve (1 of 2)

trigeminal nerve

n.

The chief sensory nerve of the face and the motor nerve of the muscles of chewing. The nuclei of the nerve are in the mesencephalon and in the pons and extend down into the cervical portion of the spinal cord. The nerve emerges by two sensory and motor roots from the pons and enters a cavity of the dura mater at the temporal bone, where its sensory root expands to form the trigeminal ganglion that forms three branches that are designated ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular. fifth cranial nerve trigeminus

Medical definitions for trigeminal nerve (2 of 2)

trigeminal
[ trī-jĕmə-nəl ]

adj.

Of or relating to the trigeminal nerves.

Scientific definitions for trigeminal nerve

trigeminal nerve
[ trī-jĕmə-nəl ]

Either of the fifth pair of cranial nerves, having sensory and motor functions in the face, teeth, mouth, and nasal cavity.