clonus

[kloh-nuhs]

noun

Pathology.

plural

clonuses 

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

clonus

/ ˈklɒnɪk, klɒˈnɪsɪtɪ, ˈkləʊnəs /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• clonic adjective
• clonicity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clonus¹

1810–20; < New Latin < Greek klónos turmoil

Word History and Origins

Origin of clonus¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek klonos turmoil

Example Sentences

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

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There was neither ankle nor patellar clonus, and the other reflexes were present and normal.

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

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

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

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