Definition

Noun: A congenital condition characterized by an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, which restricts the tongue's range of motion.

Usage

This is a medical term used primarily in clinical and anatomical contexts to describe a specific physical condition present from birth. It is often discussed in relation to infant feeding, speech development, and oral surgery.

Examples

• The pediatrician diagnosed the newborn with ankyloglossia, which was causing breastfeeding difficulties.
• Ankyloglossia can sometimes affect speech articulation, particularly sounds like "t," "d," "z," "s," "th," and "l."
• A simple surgical procedure called a frenectomy can correct ankyloglossia.

Advanced Usage

• Functional ankyloglossia: Refers to cases where the frenulum appears normal but still causes functional limitations in tongue movement.
• The term is often used in differential diagnosis when assessing causes for latch problems in infants or certain speech impediments.

Variants and Related Words

• Tongue-tie (n.): The common, non-medical term for ankyloglossia.
• Ankyloglossic (adj.): Describing someone who has the condition (e.g., an ankyloglossic infant).
• Lingual frenulum (n.): The anatomical name for the band of tissue that is shortened in ankyloglossia.
• Frenotomy/Frenectomy (n.): The surgical procedures to correct ankyloglossia.

Synonyms

• Tongue-tie

Antonyms

• There is no direct antonym, but normal tongue mobility or an unrestricted lingual frenulum represents the absence of the condition.

Related Phrases

• Restricted tongue mobility: A descriptive phrase for the primary symptom of ankyloglossia.
• Short frenulum: A simpler anatomical description of the cause of ankyloglossia.

Noun

1. a congenital anomaly in which the mucous membrane under the tongue is too short limiting the mobility of the tongue