frenum

[ free-nuhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Anatomy, Zoology.

, plural fre·na [free, -n, uh].

a fold of membrane that checks or restrains the motion of a part, such as the fold on the underside of the tongue.

frenum

/ ˈfriːnəm /

Origin of frenum¹

First recorded in 1655–65; New Latin, from Latin fraenum, frēnum “bridle, restraint,” of disputed origin

How does frenum compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Aetius, the first prominent Christian physician of whom we have any record, divided the frenum of the tongue.

Alar frenum: a small ligament crossing the supra-alar groove toward the root of the wing: Hymenoptera.

It is of slow growth, and forms an elongated swelling on each side of the frenum, covering the teeth, and projecting the lip.

On each side of the frenum, under the mucous membrane of the tip, are mucous glands—apical glands—in which cysts sometimes form.

A double fold of mucous membrane—the frenum—connects the under aspect of the tip with the floor of the mouth and the mandible.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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