Crossword clues for clonus
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Clonus \Clo"nus\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. klo`nos violent, confused motion.] (Med.) A series of muscular contractions due to sudden stretching of the muscle, -- a sign of certain neuropathies.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"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.
Wiktionary
n. (context medicine English) a muscular spasm with regular contractions
WordNet
n. convulsion characterized by alternating contractions and relaxations
Wikipedia
Clonus (from the Greek for "violent, confused motion") is a series of involuntary, rhythmic, muscular contractions and relaxations. Clonus is a sign of certain neurological conditions, particularly associated with upper motor neuron lesions involving descending motor pathways, and in many cases is, accompanied by spasticity (another form of hyperexcitability). Unlike small, spontaneous twitches known as fasciculations (usually caused by lower motor neuron pathology), clonus causes large motions that are usually initiated by a reflex. Studies have shown clonus beat frequency to range from three to eight Hz on average, and may last a few seconds to several minutes depending on the patient’s condition.
Usage examples of "clonus".
Cathbad, his white robe unmarred, stood to watch every wriggle and writhe and jerk, the direction each took, the part of the body involved, clonus of head or arms or shoulders or legs, twitches in the fingers or toes, dying tics in the buttocks.