torticollis

[ tawr-ti-kol-is ]

/ ˌtɔr tɪˈkɒl ɪs /

noun Pathology.

a condition in which the neck is twisted and the head inclined to one side, caused by spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the neck.

Nearby words

tort-feasor, torte, tortelier, tortellini, tortfeasor, torticollis, tortile, tortilla, tortilla flat, tortillon, tortious

Origin of torticollis

1805–15; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin tort(us) twisted (see tort) + -i- -i- + coll(um) neck + -is noun suffix

Also called wryneck.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for torticollis

We took care to place ourselves always in front and to the left of the patient, on the side opposed to her torticollis.
Tics and Their Treatment|Henry Meigne
The likelihood seemed to be that they were of the same nature and origin as the torticollis itself.
Tics and Their Treatment|Henry Meigne
Torticollis, myalgia cervicalis, stiff neck or wry neck, caput obstipum.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various
Oppenheim has signalised the reappearance, after several months of respite, of a torticollis secondary to an attack of influenza.
Tics and Their Treatment|Henry Meigne

Martin has recorded an example of torticollis in relation to melancholia.
Tics and Their Treatment|Henry Meigne

British Dictionary definitions for torticollis

torticollis

/ (ˌtɔːtɪˈkɒlɪs) /

noun

pathol an abnormal position of the head, usually with the neck bent to one side, caused congenitally by contracture of muscles, muscular spasm, etc

Derived Forms

torticollar, adjective

Word Origin for torticollis

C19: New Latin, from Latin tortus twisted (from torquēre to twist) + collum neck

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

Medicine definitions for torticollis

torticollis

[ tôr′tĭ-kŏl′ĭs ]

n.

A contracted state of the neck muscles producing an unnatural position of the head.wryneck

Related forms

tor′ti•col′lar (-kŏl′ər) adj.