trismus

noun

tris·​mus ˈtriz-məs 

1

: involuntary contraction of the muscles of mastication (as in tetanus or Parkinson's disease)

2

: lockjaw

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek trismos gnashing (of teeth), from trizein to squeak, gnash; akin to Latin stridēre to creak — more at strident

First Known Use

circa 1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

trismus

noun

tris·​mus ˈtriz-məs 

: spasm of the muscles of mastication resulting from any of various abnormal conditions or diseases (as tetanus)