Tetanus
WordNet
noun
(1) A sustained muscular contraction resulting from a rapid series of nerve impulses
(2) An acute and serious infection of the central nervous system caused by bacterial infection of open wounds; spasms of the jaw and laryngeal muscles may occur during the late stages
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From , from .
Noun
- A serious and often fatal disease caused by the infection of an open wound with the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani, found in soil and the intestines and faeces of animals.
- A state of muscle tension caused by sustained contraction arising from a rapid series of nerve impulses which do not allow the muscle to relax.