tonus

[ toh-nuh s ]
/ ˈtoʊ nəs /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR tonus ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Physiology.

a normal state of continuous slight tension in muscle tissue that facilitates its response to stimulation.

Origin of tonus

1875–80; < New Latin, special use of Latin tonus < Greek tónos tone

Words nearby tonus

tonsillotomy, tonsils, tonsorial, tonsure, tontine, tonus, tony, too, too bad, too big for one's britches, too close for comfort

Words related to tonus

strength, vigor, resiliency, healthiness, elasticity, health, tonicity

Example sentences from the Web for tonus

  • This tonus is essential to the maintenance of an equalized circulation.

    Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension: |Louis Marshall Warfield

  • And, of course, one should feel something if it is no more than the tonus of muscle against the mobile bones.

    Instinct |George Oliver Smith

  • The tonus of the muscles at the moment of examination may create differences inappreciable during relaxation.

    Tics and Their Treatment |Henry Meigne

British Dictionary definitions for tonus

tonus
/ (ˈtəʊnəs) /

noun

physiol the normal tension of a muscle at rest; tone

Word Origin for tonus

C19: from Latin, from Greek tonos tone

Medical definitions for tonus

tonus
[ tō′nəs ]

n.

Body or muscular tone; tonicity.