tetanus
noun/ˈtɛtənəs/
Frequency rank: #14,947 most common English word
Meaning
A serious bacterial infection that causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms, especially in the jaw.

Example sentence
After stepping on a rusty nail, she went to the clinic to get tetanus vaccination.
Synonyms & related words
- lockjaw
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 14,901–15,000
- spatulaA flat, flexible kitchen utensil used for lifting, spreading, or flipping food.
- subunitssmaller components or parts that combine to make up a larger unit or molecule.
- suffocateto die or cause to die from lack of air; to feel unable to breathe.
- tapasSmall Spanish appetizers or snacks served with drinks.
- tenementA run-down apartment building, especially one that is overcrowded and in a poor urban area.
- thriftyUsing money and resources carefully and without waste.
- thrombosisthe formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing blood flow.
- tingleto feel a slight stinging or prickling sensation
- townspeoplethe people who live in a particular town, considered as a group.
- tryouta test or trial to assess someone's suitability for a team, role, or performance.