LOCKJAW

tetanus, lockjaw

(noun) 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

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

lockjaw (usually uncountable, plural lockjaws)

(pathology) A spasmodic, nervous system disease brought on by the tetanus bacteria. It causes muscles to seize up and may cause death by suffocation.

Synonyms

• trismus, tetanus

Source: Wiktionary

Lock"jaw`, n. (Med.)

Definition: A contraction of the muscles of the jaw by which its motion is suspended; a variety of tetanus.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition