Bell's palsy

noun

Pathology.

1. suddenly occurring paralysis that distorts one side of the face, caused by a lesion of the facial nerve.

Bell's palsy

noun

1. a usually temporary paralysis of the muscles of the face, normally on one side

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bell's palsy¹

1855–60; named after Charles Bell (1774–1842), Scottish anatomist, who first described it

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bell's palsy¹

C19: named after Sir Charles Bell (1774–1842), British anatomist