wooden tongue

American  

noun

Veterinary Pathology.

1. actinobacillosis.

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wooden tongue British  

noun

1. vet science the nontechnical name for actinobacillosis

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Etymology

Origin of wooden tongue

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

"Some were friendly, others lacked bedside manners, one even came and inspected me with a wooden tongue depressor," Rhiannon explained.

From BBC

Guzman said Davis was armed with a wooden tongue depressor, amplifying the hit he took to his face.

From Fox News

The sober, business-like approach is a reflection of Deschamps‘ character. Growing up in the Basque country of southwest France, his father, Pierre, worked as a painter and decorator; his mother, Ginette, sold wool. Invariably polite and measured, Deschamps is a master of what the French call “the wooden tongue,” the ability to say little or anything of interest that could make waves, draw headlines, risk provoking opponents or distract from the team mission.

From Washington Times

Just as Dustfinger always carried the means of lighting a fire, she always had a number of things with her: candle stumps, a few pebbles, some paper, and a pencil—her wooden tongue, she called it.

From Literature

Also special: space, wooden tongue depressor, lovely shades of teal throughout, tiny planet the perfect size for Courtney Barnett.

From The Verge