Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

clonus

[kloh-nuh s]
See more synonyms for clonus on Thesaurus.com
noun, plural clo·nus·es. Pathology.
  1. a rapid succession of flexions and extensions of a group of muscles, usually signifying an affection of the brain or spinal cord.
Show More

Origin of clonus

1810–20; < New Latin < Greek klónos turmoil
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for clonus

Historical Examples

  • Clonic, klon′ik, adj. pertaining to clonus, with alternate convulsive contractions and relaxations of the muscles (of spasms)—opp.

    Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D)

    Various

British Dictionary definitions for clonus

clonus

noun
  1. a type of convulsion characterized by rapid contraction and relaxation of a muscle
Show More
Derived Formsclonic (ˈklɒnɪk), adjectiveclonicity (klɒˈnɪsɪtɪ), noun

Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for clonus

n.

"violent muscular spasms," 1817, from Modern Latin, from Greek klonos "turmoil, any violent motion; confusion, tumult, press of battle," from PIE *kel- "to drive, set in motion." Related: Clonic; clonicity.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
clonus in Medicine

clonus

(klō′nəs)
n. pl. clo•nus•es
  1. A form of movement marked by contractions and relaxations of a muscle, occurring in rapid succession, after forcible extension or flexion of a part.clonospasm
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.