tetanus

American  

[tet-n-uhs] / ˈtɛt n əs /

noun

1. Pathology. an infectious, often fatal disease caused by a specific bacterium that enters the body through wounds and characterized by respiratory paralysis and tonic spasms and rigidity of the voluntary muscles, especially those of the neck and lower jaw.

2. Also called tetanus bacillus.  Bacteriology. the bacterium, Clostridium tetani, causing this disease.

3. Physiology. a state of sustained contraction of a muscle during which the muscle does not relax to its initial length or tension, induced by a rapid succession of stimuli.

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tetanus British  

/ ˈtɛtənəs /

noun

1. Also called: lockjaw.  an acute infectious disease in which sustained muscular spasm, contraction, and convulsion are caused by the release of exotoxins from the bacterium, Clostridium tetani : infection usually occurs through a contaminated wound

2. physiol any tense contraction of a muscle, esp when produced by electric shocks

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tetanus Scientific  

/ tĕt′n-əs /

1. An acute, often fatal infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which usually enters the body through a wound and produces a toxin that affects nerve conduction. Tetanus is characterized by painful, spasmodic contractions of voluntary muscles, especially of the jaw.

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tetanus Cultural  

1. An acute and infectious disease caused by the toxin produced by a kind of bacteria that enters the body through cuts or wounds; also called lockjaw. In tetanus, the muscles of the body, particularly the muscles of the jaw, contract in painful spasms. Tetanus is deadly but can be prevented through immunization (tetanus shots).

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Other Word Forms

• tetanal
  adjective
• tetanoid
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of tetanus

1350–1400; < Latin < Greek tétanos spasm (of muscles), tetanus; replacing Middle English tetane < Latin, as above

Explanation

Tetanus is a disease of the nervous system spread by bacteria. It's very serious and is usually contracted through an open wound. You've probably had a tetanus shot at some point, and that's a good thing: tetanus is a serious infection that results in spasms and seizing up of parts of your body. Muscles you normally control become uncontrollable and rigid. That's why tetanus is also called lockjaw. People have the greatest chance of getting tetanus if they have an open wound. If you stepped on a nail, you'd better check with your doctor and make sure you've had a tetanus shot.

Example Sentences

The Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine can prevent infections and reduce the likelihood of severe disease.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Tetanus gives you about 10 years of cover, while flu vaccines need updating every year.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2022

Tetanus is caused by a bacterium that is prevalent in earth and leaves.

From Washington Post • Mar. 20, 2019

Tetanus enters the body through a cut or scratch, while diphtheria and whooping cough spread through secretions from sneezing or coughing.

From US News • Apr. 6, 2015

Tetanus or the fear of tetanus—a choice between two nightmares.

From A Diary Without Dates by Bagnold, Enid