n.
Pronunciation: ' triz-m ə s
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek trismos gnashing (of teeth), from trizein to squeak, gnash; akin to Latin strid ē re to creak ― more at STRIDENT
Date: circa 1693
1 : involuntary contraction of the muscles of mastication (as in tetanus or Parkinson's disease)
2 : LOCKJAW