torticollis

[ tawr-ti-kol-is ]

nounPathology.
  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.

Origin of torticollis

1
1805–15; <New Latin, equivalent to Latin tort(us) twisted (see tort) + -i--i- + coll(um) neck + -is noun suffix

Words Nearby torticollis

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How to use torticollis in a sentence

  • As a matter of fact, mental torticollis is a tic which the patient can ordinarily curb by some procedure of his own invention.

  • Let but momentary cessation of the muscular spasm be effected, and the torticollis disappears without leaving a trace.

  • Mental torticollis consecutive to anthrax of the neck has been described by Briand.

  • Oppenheim has signalised the reappearance, after several months of respite, of a torticollis secondary to an attack of influenza.

  • To retrace the steps in the evolution of mental torticollis is a task not always easy of accomplishment.

British Dictionary definitions for torticollis

torticollis

/ (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

Origin of torticollis

1
C19: New Latin, from Latin tortus twisted (from torquēre to twist) + collum neck

Derived forms of torticollis

  • torticollar, adjective

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