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ankle jerk

noun

: a reflex downward movement of the foot produced by a spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the calf in response to sudden extension of the leg or the striking of the Achilles tendon above the heel

called also Achilles reflex

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Cite this Entry

“Ankle jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/ankle%20jerk. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

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