Tetanus (Noun)
Meaning 1
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.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Tetanus infection is usually introduced into the body through an open wound or cut, which can become contaminated with tetanus bacteria.
- A deep puncture wound is particularly susceptible to tetanus, especially if it becomes dirty or infected.
- Untreated tetanus infection can progress to the nervous system and cause muscle stiffness, spasms, and rigidity, especially in the jaw and neck muscles.
- People who have not been vaccinated against tetanus or whose vaccination has expired are at a higher risk of developing tetanus after a contaminated wound.
- Early treatment for tetanus usually involves wound cleaning, tetanus immunization, and sometimes administration of tetanus antitoxin to prevent the toxin from spreading and causing further damage.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
A sustained muscular contraction resulting from a rapid series of nerve impulses.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- Tetanus in a muscle occurs when a sustained series of electrical stimuli cause it to contract repeatedly.
- When the nerves in his leg began to misfire, tetanus set in and his muscle wouldn't relax.
- A medical professional was required to intervene and release the muscle from tetanus to avoid tissue damage.
- Exercising after an extended period of inactivity led to muscle fatigue, then eventually tetanus as the fibers overfired.
- Due to its sudden onset and incapacitating nature, tetanus posed a serious risk of accidental injury.