noun
lockjaw
noun
1
A common name for tetanus, a disease that causes severe muscle spasms, especially in the jaw.
"Untreated lockjaw can be fatal if it affects the muscles used for breathing."
How to Use Lockjaw
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe everyday name for tetanus, a bacterial infection that stiffens the jaw and other muscles.
Word Forms
lockjaws plural
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Untreated _____ can be fatal if it affects the muscles used for breathing.
Etymology
A compound of lock + jaw, describing how the jaw muscles seize up.