trismus

American  

[triz-muhs, tris-] / ˈtrɪz məs, ˈtrɪs- /

noun

Pathology.

plural

trismuses

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

2. lockjaw.

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trismus British  

/ ˈtrɪzməs /

noun

1. Nontechnical name: lockjaw.  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

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Other Word Forms

• trismic adjective

Etymology

Origin of trismus

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

Example Sentences

He adds that the trismus may be thus converted into 'Bi-trismus.'

From The Fortunes Of Glencore by Lever, Charles James

The symptoms of poisoning by this species are spasms, similar to those of trismus, and agonizing general pains.

From Average Jones by Adams, Samuel Hopkins

It is recommended in the above mentioned doses for delirium tremens, trismus, tetanus and kindred diseases of the nervous system, repeated every hour or half-hour until relief is obtained.

From New, Old, and Forgotten Remedies: Papers by Many Writers by Anshutz, Edward Pollock

This is substantially the same thing as trismus, except that it extends to other parts, and often to nearly all the muscles of the organism.

From A Newly Discovered System of Electrical Medication by Clark, Daniel

For traumatic trismus, use the B D current, of vigorous force.

From A Newly Discovered System of Electrical Medication by Clark, Daniel