1. A small fold or band of tissue that connects or restrains a part of the body, especially the fold of tissue beneath the tongue that connects it to the floor of the mouth.
Usage: anatomy; also called frenum
2. In zoology, a small bristle-like or strap-like structure on the wings of certain insects that couples the fore and hind wings.
Usage: zoology; technical

Examples

• The frenulum under the tongue can sometimes be too short, affecting speech or tongue movement.
• A dentist may examine the frenulum during a routine oral examination.
• In some cases, a tight frenulum may require a surgical procedure called a frenulotomy.
• The frenulum of certain moths helps coordinate the movement of their wings during flight.
• Babies are sometimes born with a condition called ankyloglossia, where the frenulum is unusually short.