opisthotonos

 
Pronunciation: /ˌɒpɪsˈθɒt(ə)nəs/
(also opisthotonus)

noun

[mass noun] Medicine
  • spasm of the muscles causing backward arching of the head, neck, and spine, as in severe tetanus, some kinds of meningitis, and strychnine poisoning.

Origin:

mid 17th century: via late Latin from Greek opisthotonos 'drawn backwards'