Dictionary.com

tonus

[ toh-nuhs ]
/ ˈtoʊ nəs /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for tonus on Thesaurus.com
noun Physiology.
a normal state of continuous slight tension in muscle tissue that facilitates its response to stimulation.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of tonus

1875–80; <New Latin, special use of Latin tonus<Greek tónostone

Words nearby tonus

tonsils, tonsorial, tonsure, tontine, ton-up, tonus, tony, too, too bad, too big for one's britches, too close for comfort
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to tonus

strength, elasticity, health, healthiness, resiliency, tonicity, vigor

How to use tonus in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tonus

tonus
/ (ˈtəʊnəs) /
noun
physiol the normal tension of a muscle at rest; tone

Word Origin for tonus

C19: from Latin, from Greek tonos tone
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
FEEDBACK