tongue-tied

== English == === Etymology === From tongue + tied (“restricted”, adjective). === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation, General American) IPA(key): /ˈtʌŋtaɪd/ === Adjective === tongue-tied (comparative more tongue-tied, superlative most tongue-tied) (pathology) Having tongue-tie or ankyloglossia (“a congenital oral anomaly in which the lingual frenulum (a membrane connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is unusually short and thick, decreasing mobility of the tongue and affecting eating, speech, etc.”). (figuratively) Prevented from or unable to express oneself clearly or fluently, or freely; at a loss for words, speechless. Reluctant to speak up; reserved, reticent. (chiefly poetic) Physically unable to speak; dumb, mute. ==== Related terms ==== tongue tie, tongue-tie ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== cat got your tongue on the tip of one's tongue === Verb === tongue-tied simple past and past participle of tongue-tie === References ===