tonus

[ toh-nuh s ]
/ ˈtoʊ nəs /

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

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
[ tōnəs ]

n.

Body or muscular tone; tonicity.