noun
lockjaw
Lockjaw (noun) means a common name for tetanus, a disease that causes severe muscle spasms, especially in the jaw. Example: “Untreated lockjaw can be fatal if it affects the muscles used for breathing.”
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.
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Word forms
- Plural
- lockjaws
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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.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “lockjaw” mean?
The word “lockjaw” means a common name for tetanus, a disease that causes severe muscle spasms, especially in the jaw. In plain terms, the everyday name for tetanus, a bacterial infection that stiffens the jaw and other muscles.
How do you use “lockjaw” in a sentence?
Here is “lockjaw” used in a sentence: “Untreated lockjaw can be fatal if it affects the muscles used for breathing.”
What part of speech is “lockjaw”?
“Lockjaw” is a noun.
What is the meaning of lockjaw?
"lockjaw" (noun) means a common name for tetanus, a disease that causes severe muscle spasms, especially in the jaw.
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