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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

"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

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

From Washington Post

Mellencamp said her son Cruz had once suffered from torticollis, which causes a baby's head to tilt downward, and assumed Dove suffered from the same condition.

From Fox News

The condition, known as torticollis, makes the neck twist, causing a bunny’s head to tilt dramatically to one side.

From National Geographic

She was circling and drooling, had watery eyes, and showed signs of torticollis.

From Washington Post