tetanus

Term: tetanus

Literally meaning: "taut and stretched"

Origin: Anc Greek

τείνω/teino (=extend) >  τανύω/tanyo(=strain, stretch)  > ταινία/taenia(=band, ribon)

Coined/History

The name of tetanus is derived from its symptom of violent and prolonged spasm and stiffness of muscles. The resp[onsible bacterium was first isolated in 1889 by S. Kitasato while he was working with R. Koch in Germany.  

Definition

Tetanus is a serious infectious disease caused by tetanus bacteria (Clostridium tetani) that lives in the csoil and animal feces. Tetanus is characterized by painful tightening of the muscle.