bruxism

American

[bruhk-siz-uhm] / ˈbrʌk sɪz əm /

noun

Pathology.

teeth grinding.

bruxism British

/ ˈbrʌksɪzəm /

noun

the habit of grinding the teeth, esp unconsciously

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

bruxism Scientific

/ brŭk′sĭz′əm /

The habitual, involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, usually during sleep and sometimes associated wth stress.

Etymology

Origin of bruxism

1935–40; < Greek *brȳx ( is ) a gnashing of teeth ( brȳ́k ( ein ) to gnash, bite + -sis -sis ) + -ism

Vocabulary lists containing bruxism

National Spelling Bee '14: Prelims Round 3

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The condition, called bruxism, can apply up to 200 pounds of force to the teeth.

From Washington Post • Jun. 20, 2022

And for older adults — whose teeth may be more fragile — bruxism may be especially troubling.

From Washington Post • Jun. 20, 2022

Other factors that may increase bruxism are poor sleep hygiene and bad posture.

From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2021

While teeth grinding, or bruxism, caused by clenched jaw muscles, does occur while you’re awake, sleep bruxism is more difficult to treat, as many patients are unaware that they even have the problem.

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2018

According to the American Dental Association, normally 10 to 15 percent of people grind, a condition known as bruxism.

From New York Times • Feb. 13, 2010

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023