Definition of Ankyloglossia

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Ankyloglossia: A minor birth defect in which the flap of membrane attached to the underside of the tongue (frenulum) is too short. This shortened frenulum limits the mobility of the tongue. Ankyloglossia is also called tongue tie, from the folk belief that the anomaly causes feeding and speech problems. A child cannot feed or speak properly because the tongue is 'tied.' This antiquated belief is untrue.