What is "torticollis"

Torticollis \Tor`ti*col"lis\, n. [F. toricolis; L. torquere, tortum, to twist + collum the neck.] (Med.) See Wryneck.

wryneck, 1811, Modern Latin, from Latin tortus "crooked, twisted," from torquere "to twist" (see torque (n.)) + collum "neck" (see collar (n.)).

n. A medical condition in which the neck muscles contract causing the neck to twist or jerk

n. an unnatural condition in which the head leans to one side because the neck muscles on that side are contracted [syn: wryneck]

Torticollis, also known as wry neck or loxia, is a dystonic condition defined by an abnormal, asymmetrical head or neck position, which may be due to a variety of causes. The term torticollis is derived from the Latin words tortus for twisted and collum for neck.