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  

/ ˈklɒnɪk, klɒˈnɪsɪtɪ, 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

noun

• clonuses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of clonus

1810–20; < New Latin < Greek klónos turmoil

Compare meaning

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

• myoclonus vs. clonus

Example Sentences

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 Makins, George Henry

Both deep and superficial reflexes exaggerated; ankle clonus both sides; hyperæsthesia of abdomen and face.

From Studies in Forensic Psychiatry by Glueck, Bernard

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 Miles, Alexander

Patellar  reflexes were markedly exaggerated on both sides, the left more so than the right, and ankle clonus was present on the left side.

From Studies in Forensic Psychiatry by Glueck, Bernard

There is an attempt at, but no true, clonus; that is, passive flexion of the foot causes two or three jerky movements.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)