clonus

American  

[kloh-nuhs] / ˈkloʊ nəs /

noun

Pathology.

• clonuses
  plural

1. a rapid succession of flexions and extensions of a group of muscles, usually signifying an affection of the brain or spinal cord.

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clonus British  

/ ˈkləʊnəs /

noun

1. a type of convulsion characterized by rapid contraction and relaxation of a muscle

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• clonicity
  noun
• clonic
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• clonuses
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of clonus

1810–20; < New Latin < Greek klónos turmoil

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Compare meaning

How does clonus compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• myoclonus vs. clonus

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

clonus

Upon tapping, the quadriceps tendon caused a brisk marked contraction of thigh muscles, followed by mild clonus.

From Studies in Forensic Psychiatry by Bernard Glueck

The plantar and patellar reflexes were much exaggerated, and there was ankle clonus, most marked in the left limb.

From Surgical Experiences in South Africa, 1899-1900 Being Mainly a Clinical Study of the Nature and Effects of Injuries Produced by Bullets of Small Calibre by George Henry Makins

The knee-jerks and plantar reflexes are exaggerated, and there is marked ankle clonus.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Alexander Miles

No foot clonus, no Babinski; abdominal reflexes present, cremasteric not elicited; catalepsy not always present.

From Studies in Forensic Psychiatry by Bernard Glueck

Tapping of one knee tended to set musculature of opposite knee in mild clonus of short duration.

From Studies in Forensic Psychiatry by Bernard Glueck

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