(from ἀγκυλός, crooked; and ὀστεον the tongue), a contraction of the ligaments of the tongue. Some have this imperfection from their birth, others from some disease. In the first case, the membrane which supports the tongue is too short or too hard; in the latter, an ulcer under the tongue, healing and forming a cicatrix, is sometimes the case. These speak with some difficulty. Those who have this imperfection by nature are late in acquiring the power of speech; but having acquired it, they soon speak properly. Such persons are commonly called tongue-tied.