frenulum

noun

fren·u·lum ˈfren-yə-ləm

plural frenula ˈfren-yə-lə

: a connecting fold of membrane serving to support or restrain a part (such as the tongue)

: a bristle or group of bristles on the front edge of the posterior wings of some lepidoptera that unites the wings by interlocking with a catch on the posterior part of the forewings

Examples of frenulum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The frenulum is the thin flap of skin that connects your lip to your gum. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026 The frenulum is the thin flap of skin that connects the lip to the gum. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2026 Her quick smile reveals frenulum piercings in her upper teeth. — Sports Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Feb. 2026 Pierced her labial frenulum – which most people can’t locate, let alone want to pierce - to give herself permanent mouth bling. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frenulum

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, diminutive of Latin frenum

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of frenulum was circa 1706

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

frenular

frenulum

frenum

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Frenulum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frenulum. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

frenulum

noun

fren·u·lum ˈfren-yə-ləm

plural frenula -lə

: a connecting fold of membrane serving to support or restrain a part (as the tongue)

frenulum

noun

Examples of frenulum in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition

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