trismus

noun tris·mus \ˈtriz-məs\

Definition of TRISMUS

: involuntary contraction of the muscles of mastication (as in tetanus or Parkinson's disease)

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

Medical Dictionary

noun tris·mus \ˈtriz-məs\

: spasm of the muscles of mastication resulting from any of various abnormal conditions or diseases (as tetanus)

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