Tetanus (noun)

An acute and serious disease caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani and characterized by painful muscle contractions, particularly of the jaw and neck muscles.

Origin:

Late 16th century: from latin, 'stiffness, rigidity', from greek tetanos 'stiff, rigid', from teinein 'to stretch'. the sense 'spasm of the muscles, particularly in the face and jaw' was first used in the early 19th century.

Examples:

1. Tetanus is a life-threatening condition.
2. Tetanus vaccination is recommended for everyone.
3. Tetanus is usually contracted through a deep puncture wound.
4. Tetanus can lead to serious muscle spasms and respiratory failure.
5. Early treatment of tetanus is important to prevent serious complications.