tongue-tie

American  

[tuhng-tahy] / ˈtʌŋˌtaɪ /

noun

1. impeded motion of the tongue caused especially by shortness of the frenum, which binds it to the floor of the mouth.

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verb (used with object)

tongue-tied, tongue-tying

1. to make tongue-tied.

tongue-tie British  

noun

1. a congenital condition in which the tongue has restricted mobility as the result of an abnormally short frenulum

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Etymology

Origin of tongue-tie

First recorded in 1545–55; back formation from tongue-tied

Example Sentences

While Jemma and Deepti’s babies both had a tongue-tie, there are several reasons why a mother can struggle to breastfeed.

From BBC • Aug. 10, 2024

An estimated 7% of babies are diagnosed with a condition called tongue-tie, in which the connection between the tongue and the floor of the mouth is too strong and limits tongue movement.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2024

Ms. Henstrom is part of a booming industry of lactation consultants and dentists that aggressively markets the procedures, even for babies that have no signs of tongue-tie and despite a small risk of serious complications.

From New York Times • Feb. 15, 2024

The NCT has called for more research into the best care for babies with suspected tongue-tie and a consistent NHS service across the country.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2022

And if you are to suffer, it would be right to tongue-tie that silver Bell, and leave the congregations to their selling of cabbages.

From The Letters of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Barrett, Vol. 1 (of 2) 1845-1846 by Browning, Robert

Related Words

• cut off
• gag
• muffle
• mute
• muzzle
• quash
• quell
• squelch
• stifle
• subdue
• suppress