How to pronounce tetanus
Say it like TET-uh-nus. Tetanus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TET).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tetanus. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈtɛtənəs/TET-uh-nus
UK British/ˈtɛtənəs/TET-uh-nus
- TET
- uh
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tetanus pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of tetanus
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: TET-uh-nus.
What does tetanus mean?
noun
- A state of muscle tension caused by sustained contraction arising from a rapid series of nerve impulses which do not allow the muscle to relax.
Questions about saying tetanus
How do you pronounce tetanus?
Say TET-uh-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɛtənəs/. In British English it is /ˈtɛtənəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tetanus?
Tetanus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TET). Broken into parts: TET · uh · nus.
Is tetanus pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈtɛtənəs/ (TET-uh-nus).