opisthotonos

The story

1. Ancient Greek · derived fromὀπισθότονος
2. Latin · derived fromopisthotonus
3. English todayopisthotonos

From Latin opisthotonus, and its source, Ancient Greek ὀπισθότονος (opisthótonos), corresponding to opistho- + tonus (“muscle tension”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 16th c. Sustained tetanic spasm in which the body is bent backwards and stiffened, as produced by various diseases.