trigeminal

[trahy-jem-uh-nl]Anatomy

adjective

of or relating to the trigeminal nerve.

noun

Also called trigeminal nerve. either one of the fifth pair of cranial nerves, consisting of motor fibers that innervate the muscles of mastication, and of sensory fibers that conduct impulses from the head and face to the brain.

Origin of trigeminal

1820–30; < New Latin trigemin(us) (Latin: triple, equivalent to tri- tri- + geminus twin, double) + -al¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for trigeminal

Historical Examples of trigeminal

The father is neurasthenic, and the grandfather has trigeminal neuralgia.
Tics and Their Treatment
Henry Meigne
The anterior margin of the origin is at the point where the mandibular ramus of the trigeminal nerve enters the mandible.
Jaw Musculature of the Mourning and White-winged Doves
Robert L. Merz
The facial and acoustic nerves and the maxillary and mandibular divisions of the trigeminal are frequently implicated.
Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities--Head--Neck. Sixth Edition.
Alexander Miles
There is severe pain referred to the distribution of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve.
Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities--Head--Neck. Sixth Edition.
Alexander Miles
Foramina by which the optic, trigeminal and abortio dura, and abducens nerves leave the skull.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Slice 4
Various

British Dictionary definitions for trigeminal

trigeminal

adjective

anatomy of or relating to the trigeminal nerve

Word Origin for trigeminal

C19: from Latin trigeminus triplet, from tri- + geminus twin

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

Word Origin and History for trigeminal

adj.

1830, from Latin trigeminus "born in threes;" see tri- + geminate.

trigeminal in Medicine

trigeminal

[trī-jĕm′ə-nəl]

adj.

Of or relating to the trigeminal nerves.