Frena

/ˈfrenə/ noun

Definition

Plural of frenum, which is a small band of tissue that connects or restrains something, commonly found under the tongue.

Etymology

From Latin frena, plural of frenum meaning 'a bridle or rein.' The term refers to structures that physically restrain or limit movement, just as a bridle restrains a horse.

Kelly Says

Your tongue's little connector strip has the same root word as 'bridle'—that's because both limit movement, so doctors borrowed the horse-control vocabulary to describe what your body does internally!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.