The word "furrowed tongue" is spelled with a double R and double W to represent the distinct sound of the letter R in American English. The IPA phonetic transcription for "furrowed" is /ˈfɜː.rəʊd/, with the stressed syllable being /fɜː/. The /r/ sound is pronounced with emphasis and the /w/ sound is pronounced with a rounded lip positioning. The word "tongue" is spelled phonetically as /tʌŋ/, with the /ŋ/ sound being a nasal sound made in the back of the mouth.
A furrowed tongue refers to a distinctive anatomical condition in which longitudinal grooves or ridges appear on the surface of the tongue. These grooves are often irregular in shape and depth, resembling narrow furrows that run along the length of the tongue. This unique characteristic can be observed through visual inspection or by running a finger over the tongue's surface.
The furrowing of the tongue is considered a relatively rare condition, and its precise causes are not fully understood. It is often believed to be an inherited trait, which means that a furrowed tongue can run in families. However, certain factors such as aging, poor oral hygiene, or certain underlying medical conditions may also contribute to the development of furrows on the tongue.
While the furrowing itself is generally harmless and symptomless, some individuals with a furrowed tongue may experience discomfort or sensitivity in the affected area, particularly when consuming spicy or acidic foods. Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing the tongue regularly, can help mitigate any discomfort or irritation.
In most cases, a furrowed tongue is a benign condition that does not require medical intervention. However, if an individual experiences persistent pain, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms associated with the furrowing, it is advised to seek professional dental or medical attention for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management.
The occurrence of numerous longitudinal grooves or furrows on the dorsal surface of the tongue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "furrowed tongue" does not have an etymology as it is a descriptive phrase rather than a specific word. However, we can break it down:
1. Furrowed: This word originates from Middle English "forweorrian", which means "to make furrows or wrinkles". It can be traced back to the Old English "furh", meaning "furrow" or "trench".
2. Tongue: This word originates from the Old English "tunge", which comes from the Proto-Germanic word "tungō". It is related to other Germanic languages such as Dutch "tong" and German "Zunge".
So, "furrowed tongue" implies a tongue that has furrows or wrinkles on its surface.