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[free-nuh m] /ˈfri nəm/
noun, plural frena
[free-nuh] /ˈfri nə/ (Show IPA).
Anatomy, Zoology
a fold of membrane that checks or restrains the motion of a part, as the fold on the underside of the tongue.
Also, fraenum.
< New Latin; Latin frēnum bridle Unabridged
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Examples from the web for frenum
  • Individuals have a broad frenum on the upper lip and a small pointed head.
  • The premaxillary frenum is absent or poorly developed.
British Dictionary definitions for frenum


noun (pl) -na (-nə)
a fold of membrane or skin, such as the fold beneath the tongue, that supports an organ
Word Origin
C18: from Latin: bridle


noun (pl) -na (-nə)
a variant spelling (esp US) of fraenum
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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frenum in Medicine

frenum fre·num (frē'nəm)
n. pl. fre·nums or fre·na (-nə)

  1. A membranous fold of skin or mucous membrane that supports or restricts the movement of a part or organ, such as the small band of tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

  2. An anatomical structure resembling such a fold.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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