trifacial, a. Anat.
(traɪˈfeɪʃəl)
[f. tri- + facial.]
A name for the fifth pair of cranial nerves (also called trigeminal), which divide into three branches supplying the face and some adjacent parts. Also transf. pertaining to or affecting the trifacial nerves.
| 1840 G. Ellis Anat. 82 Branches of..the first, second, or third divisions of the fifth or trifacial nerve. 1842 E. Wilson Anat. Vade M. (ed. 2) 407 The Trifacial Nerve is analogous to the spinal nerves in its origin by two roots. 1863 J. Dean Gray Subst. Medulla Obl. etc. ii. i, I have not been able to discover any connection between these columns and the trifacial or auditory roots. 1899 Allbutt's Syst. Med. VI. 662 A carious tooth may set up a trifacial neuralgia. |