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tonus

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noun to·nus \ ˈtō-nəs \

Definition of tonus

:tone 9b; especially :a state of partial contraction characteristic of normal muscle

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Origin and Etymology of tonus

New Latin, from Latin, tension, tone

Medical Dictionary

tonus

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noun to·nus \ ˈtō-nəs \

medical Definition of tonus

1 :tone 2a
2 :a state of partial contraction that is characteristic of normal muscle, is maintained at least in part by a continuous bombardment of motor impulses originating reflexly, and serves to maintain body posture — called also muscle tone; compare clonus

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