trismus

[triz-muh s, tris-] /ˈtrɪz məs, ˈtrɪs-/
noun, plural trismuses. Pathology
1.
a spasm of the jaw muscles that makes it difficult to open the mouth.
2.
lockjaw.
Origin
1685-95; < Neo-Latin < Greek trismós a grinding
Related forms
trismic, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for trismus

trismus

/ˈtrɪzməs/
noun
1.
(pathol) the state or condition of being unable to open the mouth because of sustained contractions of the jaw muscles, caused by a form of tetanus Nontechnical name lockjaw
Derived Forms
trismic, adjective
Word Origin
C17: from New Latin, from Greek trismos a grinding
Word Origin and History for trismus
n.

1690s, Modern Latin, from Greek trismos "a scream; a grinding, rasping," akin to trizein "to chirp, gnash."

trismus in Medicine

trismus tris·mus (trĭz'məs)
n.
A firm closing of the jaw due to tonic spasm of the muscles of mastication from disease of the motor branch of the trigeminal nerve. It is usually associated with general tetanus. Also called lockjaw.