torticollis

American  

[tawr-ti-kol-is] / ˌtɔr tɪˈkɒl ɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. 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.

---

torticollis British  

/ ˌtɔːtɪˈkɒlɪs /

noun

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

---

Other Word Forms

• torticollar adjective

Etymology

Origin of torticollis

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

Example Sentences

They often have gut issues and fall victim to ear infections that can lead to torticollis, which is something I regret having seen.

From New York Times • Apr. 12, 2022

Often plagiocephaly is linked to neck stiffness, a condition called torticollis.

From Washington Post • Dec. 17, 2021

Born with torticollis, Levi wore a protective helmet for several months.

From New York Times • May 24, 2013

She has torticollis, a condition that causes the muscles in her neck to spasm constantly and, if untreated, twists her head down to her left shoulder.

From Washington Post • Nov. 19, 2012

It is curious, however, that those formidable spasmodic affections of the face which belong to the same order as torticollis and writer's cramp, are not frequently, if ever, directly associated with trigeminal neuralgia.

From Neuralgia and the Diseases that Resemble it by Anstie, Francis E.