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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web However, doctors now recommend adults get boosted with the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine, or TDaP, vaccine. 
Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 1 Sep. 2022 In middle school, requirements can include a vaccination to protect against meningitis, and diphtheria and tetanus. Donna St. George, Anchorage Daily News, 27 Aug. 2022 Being vaccinated for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; polio; measles; mumps; rubella; and Hepatitis B are all required by state law. Kalyn Dunkins | Kdunkins@al.com, al, 22 Aug. 2022 This gap represents a major backslide following years of steady progress to protect children around the world from preventable diseases such as polio, pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus. Amanda Mcclelland, STAT, 22 Aug. 2022 Junkyard sits firmly within The Birthday Party’s tetanus-infecting pile of rusted, dirty guitar strings, and shattered drum kits. Spin Staff, SPIN, 15 Aug. 2022 Many schools have been converted into hubs where supplies can be picked up, with access to hot food and tetanus vaccinations. Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 4 Aug. 2022 Also make sure your child is current with vaccinations, which may include tetanus, meningitis B, and the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine for cancer prevention. Diane Herbst, PEOPLE.com, 27 July 2022 And the association is working to help locate and deliver vaccines for tetanus and hepatitis A, both of which can be spread through contaminated water, Lewis said. Deborah Yetter, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2022 See More
Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 1 Sep. 2022 In middle school, requirements can include a vaccination to protect against meningitis, and diphtheria and tetanus. Donna St. George, Anchorage Daily News, 27 Aug. 2022 Being vaccinated for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; polio; measles; mumps; rubella; and Hepatitis B are all required by state law. Kalyn Dunkins | Kdunkins@al.com, al, 22 Aug. 2022 This gap represents a major backslide following years of steady progress to protect children around the world from preventable diseases such as polio, pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus. Amanda Mcclelland, STAT, 22 Aug. 2022 Junkyard sits firmly within The Birthday Party’s tetanus-infecting pile of rusted, dirty guitar strings, and shattered drum kits. Spin Staff, SPIN, 15 Aug. 2022 Many schools have been converted into hubs where supplies can be picked up, with access to hot food and tetanus vaccinations. Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 4 Aug. 2022 Also make sure your child is current with vaccinations, which may include tetanus, meningitis B, and the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine for cancer prevention. Diane Herbst, PEOPLE.com, 27 July 2022 And the association is working to help locate and deliver vaccines for tetanus and hepatitis A, both of which can be spread through contaminated water, Lewis said. Deborah Yetter, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2022 See More 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 ˈte-tə-nəs
ˈtet-nəs
: a serious disease that is marked by spasms of the muscles especially of the jaws and that is caused by poison from a bacterium that usually enters the body through a wound
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