Wiktionary
n. (context physiology English) The continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscles, which helps maintain posture.
WordNet
n. normal tonicity of the muscles; "exercise improves muscle tone" [syn: muscular tonus]
Wikipedia
In physiology, medicine, and anatomy, muscle tone (residual muscle tension or tonus) is the continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscles, or the muscle's resistance to passive stretch during resting state. It helps to maintain posture and declines during REM sleep.
Usage examples of "muscle tone".
With slenderness guaranteed, a simple regimen of light exercise was all she needed to keep her ballerina muscle tone.
His metabolic rate drops 10 to 15 per cent below the lowest wakeful values, his heartbeat slows, his blood pressure drops, and his muscle tone slackens.
Buddy had no muscle tone whatsoever, simply because she never did anything even vaguely physical.
He was assiduous in doing the daily Reeve exercises to keep muscle tone, and in getting massage.
Rick showed him exercises for muscle tone, and hours spent in Dorotea's garden tanned his skin to a healthy glow.
The exercise and fresh air had improved his health, his muscle tone, his complexion.
She looked like an aged athlete or acrobat, slowed and retired but still maintaining her muscle tone and some of her skills.
She ran a critical hand down its neck, checking the muscle tone, and turned an eye on the others.
Her face had filled out, a little, and she had gained back some of the weight, if not the muscle tone.
As they did, they had noticed a total lack of muscle tone, as if she were completely paralyzed.