Prolonged spasm of the jaw muscles

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. prolonged spasm of the jaw muscles

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Trismus , or Lockjaw , refers to reduced opening of the jaws caused by spasm of the muscles of mastication, or may generally refer to all causes of limited mouth opening. It is a common problem with a variety of causes, and may interfere with eating, speech, ...

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"lockjaw," 1690s, Modern Latin, from Greek trismos "a scream; a grinding, rasping," akin to trizein "to chirp, gnash," imitative.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. The inability to normally open the mouth, typically as a result of disease.

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Trismus \Tris"mus\, n. [NL., form Gr. ? gnashing of the teeth.] (Med.) The lockjaw.