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
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BACKFIRE
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