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

A month later, Deepti learned the tongue-tie procedure had been done wrong and needed more treatment due to scar tissue - but by then, it was too late to return to breastfeeding.

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

Reporters traveled to Boise, Idaho, and observed tongue-tie surgery in Manhattan.

From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2023

Clare suspected Lily might have a posterior tongue-tie, but a midwife at Southmead Hospital was unable to confirm if she was correct.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2022

The child was taken to a physician who operated and corrected the tongue-tie.

From Civics and Health by Allen, William H.

Related Words

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