tonic

tonic /ton·ic/ (ton´ik)

1. producing and restoring normal tone.

2. characterized by continuous tension.

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ton·ic (tnk)

adj.

1. Of or producing tone or tonicity in muscles or tissue.

2. Characterized by continuous tension or contraction of muscles, as a convulsion or spasm.

3. Producing or stimulating physical, mental, or emotional vigor.

n.

An agent, such as a medication, that restores or increases body tone.

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tonic

[ton′ik]

pertaining to a type of afferent or sensory nerve receptor that responds to length changes placed on the noncontractile part of a muscle spindle. It may be triggered by a mechanical external force such as positioning or by an internal stretch caused by intrafusal muscle contraction.

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tonic,

n treatment, usually an herbal concoction, that refreshes and restores health, energy, and vitality.

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tonic

1. producing and restoring normal tone.

2. characterized by continuous tension.

3. a patent medicine dedicated to the restoration of normal 'tone' to bodily functions generally. Usually a pharmaceutical rag-bag of stimulants, aromatics and alcohol, the paramount example of polypharmacy.

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tonic-clonic

see clonic-tonic.

tonic convulsion

see tonic seizure.

tonic neck response

a postural reaction in which extension of the head and neck causes extension of the forelimbs in a normal dog or cat.

tonic seizure

see tonic seizure.

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tonic

Alternative medicine A medicinal preparation, usually of herbal origin–eg, ginseng, used in traditional Chinese and in ayurvedic medicine; tonics are said to be help build vital energy–qi. See Hoxsey tonic. Cf Bitter.