A serious infectious disease caused by bacteria that produces a toxin, often affecting the muscles and causing rigidity and uncontrollable spasms.
From Greek 'tetanos' meaning 'stretched tight' or 'rigid,' derived from 'teinein' meaning 'to stretch.' The name describes the characteristic muscle rigidity and lockjaw of the disease.
The disease gets its name from the Greek word meaning 'stretched tight' because victims' muscles become so rigid they lock up—their whole body becomes stiff. It's why it's sometimes called 'lockjaw' when it affects the face.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.