frenum

[ free-nuhm ]

noun

, Anatomy, Zoology.

, plural fre·na [free, -n, uh].

1. a fold of membrane that checks or restrains the motion of a part, such as the fold on the underside of the tongue.

frenum

/ ˈfriːnəm /

noun

1. a variant spelling (esp US) of fraenum

Word History and Origins

Origin of frenum¹

First recorded in 1655–65; New Latin, from Latin fraenum, frēnum “bridle, restraint,” of disputed origin

Example Sentences

Aetius, the first prominent Christian physician of whom we have any record, divided the frenum of the tongue.

From Project Gutenberg

Alar frenum: a small ligament crossing the supra-alar groove toward the root of the wing: Hymenoptera.

From Project Gutenberg

It is of slow growth, and forms an elongated swelling on each side of the frenum, covering the teeth, and projecting the lip.

From Project Gutenberg

On each side of the frenum, under the mucous membrane of the tip, are mucous glands—apical glands—in which cysts sometimes form.

From Project Gutenberg

A double fold of mucous membrane—the frenum—connects the under aspect of the tip with the floor of the mouth and the mandible.

From Project Gutenberg