clonus

American  

[kloh-nuhs] / ˈkloʊ nəs /

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.

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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

• clonic
  adjective
• clonicity
  noun

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

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

From Studies in Forensic Psychiatry by Glueck, Bernard

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

From Studies in Forensic Psychiatry by Glueck, Bernard

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

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

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