tetanus

noun

tet·​a·​nus ˈte-tə-nəs  ˈtet-nəs 

1

a

: an acute infectious bacterial disease characterized by tonic spasm of voluntary muscles especially of the jaw and caused by an exotoxin of a clostridium (Clostridium tetani) which is usually introduced through a wound compare lockjaw

b

: the bacterium that causes tetanus

2

: prolonged contraction of a muscle resulting from rapidly repeated motor impulses

Examples of tetanus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For almost a century, some important vaccines, including shots that protect against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis and the flu, have included aluminum salts, compounds that contain small amounts of aluminum. —NPR, 31 Oct. 2025

Canine tetanus can prove fatal, with a 2023 study from Frontiers in Veterinary Science estimating mortality rates of up to 50 percent among those dogs who suffer respiratory complications as a result of the illness. —Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

Their creation comes across as a death trap — or a surefire way to get tetanus, at the very least. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025

The DTaP/Tdap vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, is a must for children in the state. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek tetanos, from tetanos stretched, rigid; akin to Greek teinein to stretch — more at thin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

tetanus

noun

tet·​a·​nus ˈtet-ə-nəs 

1

: a dangerous infectious disease marked by contraction of the muscles especially of the jaws and caused by a poison made by a bacterium that usually enters the body through a wound compare lockjaw

2

: contraction of a muscle for a much longer time than normal that results from rapidly repeated motor nerve impulses

Medical Definition

tetanus

noun

tet·​a·​nus ˈtet-ᵊn-əs, ˈtet-nəs 

1

a

: an acute infectious disease characterized by tonic spasm of voluntary muscles and especially of the muscles of the jaw and caused by an exotoxin produced by a bacterium of the genus Clostridium (C. tetani) which is usually introduced through a wound compare lockjaw

b

: tetanus bacillus

2

: prolonged contraction of a muscle resulting from a series of motor impulses following one another too rapidly to permit intervening relaxation of the muscle