mussitation

[ muhs-i-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. silent movement of the lips in simulation of the movements made in audible speech.
2. muttering; mumbling; murmuring.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mussitation¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Late Latin mussitātiōn- (stem of mussitātiō ); mussitate, -ion

Example Sentences

Mussitation, mus-i-tā′shun, n. the movement of the tongue or lips as if in speech, without producing articulate sounds, muttering.—v.t.

From Project Gutenberg