trismus

[ triz-muh s, tris- ]
/ ˈtrɪz məs, ˈtrɪs- /
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noun, plural tris·mus·es. Pathology.

a spasm of the jaw muscles that makes it difficult to open the mouth.
lockjaw.

Origin of trismus

1685–95; < New Latin < Greek trismós a grinding

OTHER WORDS FROM trismus

tris·mic, adjective

Words nearby trismus

triserial, trishaw, triskaidekaphobia, triskelion, trismegistus, trismus, trisoctahedron, trisodium, trisodium phosphate, trisome, trisomic

Words related to trismus

tetanus

Example sentences from the Web for trismus

British Dictionary definitions for trismus

trismus
/ (ˈtrɪzməs) /

noun

pathol the state or condition of being unable to open the mouth because of sustained contractions of the jaw muscles, caused by a form of tetanus Nontechnical name: lockjaw

Derived forms of trismus

trismic, adjective

Word Origin for trismus

C17: from New Latin, from Greek trismos a grinding

Medical definitions for trismus

trismus
[ trĭz′məs ]

n.

A firm closing of the jaw due to tonic spasm of the muscles of mastication from disease of the motor branch of the trigeminal nerve. It is usually associated with general tetanus. lockjaw