tetanus

Meanings

• A serious bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani. It primarily affects the nervous system, causing rigidity and spasms, especially in the jaw and neck.

  - "John contracted tetanus after stepping on a rusty nail."
  - "The symptoms of tetanus include rigidity, spasms, and difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth."

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Synonyms

lockjaw

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with tetanus
tetanus , anus , banana , juniperus , cacophony , hypocrisy , anarchy , sycosis , cholera , typhoid , hepatitis , gonorrhea , syphilis

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Homophones

Words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spelling,

1. Tetanus () :
   

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Variants

List of all variants of tetanus that leads to same result
tetanus , tetanuses

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Forms

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{"term"=>"Tetanus bacillus", "description"=>"The Tetanus bacillus is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that is the causative agent of tetanus. It produces a powerful neurotoxin called tetanus toxin, which inhibits the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters from the presynaptic terminals of motor neurons in the spinal cord. This results in uncontrolled contraction of the skeletal muscles, leading to the characteristic symptoms of tetanus, such as rigidity, spasms, and difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth."}

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Etymology

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The word tetanus comes from the Greek word tetanoun, which means 'extended' or 'lasting'. This refers to the prolonged muscle stiffness and spasms that are characteristic of the condition.

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Trivia

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1. Tetanus is also known as 'lockjaw' because of the characteristic symptom of the inability to open the mouth due to uncontrolled contraction of the masseter and other muscles of the face and neck.

2. The incubation period of tetanus, which is the time between exposure to the bacterium and the onset of symptoms, can range from a few days to several weeks.

3. Tetanus is not contagious from person to person, as it is primarily contracted through contamination of wounds with the bacterium Clostridium tetani.

4. The first recorded use of the term 'tetanus' to describe the condition is believed to have occurred in the late 16th or early 17th century, in the works of the German physician and botanist Leonhart Fuchs (1501-1566).

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Culture

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Tetanus has been a significant health concern throughout history. It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is often found in soil, dust, and manure. Tetanus has been known since ancient times, with reports of the condition dating back to the Egyptian and Greek civilizations. Throughout history, tetanus has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Today, tetanus is preventable through vaccination, which is typically given in a series of doses to provide long-term protection against the disease. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, tetanus continues to be a significant health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in areas with poor access to healthcare services and vaccination programs.

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