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

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

The quick procedure, known as a tongue-tie release, involves a dentist or doctor snipping a tight band of tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth.

From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2023

Both women are calling for midwives and health visitors to be better trained to diagnose tongue-tie.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2022

Additional training is provided which includes recognising tongue-tie, its treatments and support.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2022

In tongue-tie the weblike membrane underneath is attached342 too far forward, so that the child is quite unable to protrude his tongue, and this condition greatly interferes with sucking.

From The Mother and Her Child by Sadler, William S.

Related Words

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