clonus

[ kloh-nuhs ]

/ ˈkloʊ nəs /

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noun, plural clo·nus·es.Pathology.

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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Origin of clonus

1810–20; <New Latin <Greek klónos turmoil

Words nearby clonus

cloning, cloning vector, clonk, Clonmel, Clontarf, clonus, Clooney, cloot, clootie, Cloots, clop

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use clonus in a sentence

No foot clonus, no Babinski; abdominal reflexes present, cremasteric not elicited; catalepsy not always present.
Studies in Forensic Psychiatry|Bernard Glueck
Both deep and superficial reflexes exaggerated; ankle clonus both sides; hyperæsthesia of abdomen and face.
Studies in Forensic Psychiatry|Bernard Glueck
Upon tapping, the quadriceps tendon caused a brisk marked contraction of thigh muscles, followed by mild clonus.
Studies in Forensic Psychiatry|Bernard Glueck
Tapping of one knee tended to set musculature of opposite knee in mild clonus of short duration.
Studies in Forensic Psychiatry|Bernard Glueck

Musculature of legs was in a constant mild clonus, and the right foot was kept in position of talipes equinovarus.
Studies in Forensic Psychiatry|Bernard Glueck

British Dictionary definitions for clonus

clonus

/ (ˈkləʊnəs) /

noun

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

Derived forms of clonus

clonic (ˈklɒnɪk), adjectiveclonicity (klɒˈnɪsɪtɪ), noun

Word Origin for clonus

C19: from New Latin, from Greek klonos turmoil

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012