Part of Speech

noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkləʊnəs/

Definitions

• noun: A series of involuntary muscular contractions and relaxations, typically caused by nervous system issues or neurological disorders.

Usage Examples

• The patient experienced clonus in the lower leg due to a spinal cord injury.
• Clonus can be a sign of neurological damage or a reaction to certain medications.
• The doctor observed clonus in the patient's reflexes during the examination.

Etymology

The term "clonus" comes from the Greek word "klonos," meaning "violent turmoil" or "a rushing movement," which refers to the involuntary muscle spasms characteristic of the condition.

Synonyms

• Spasm
• Contraction
• Twitch

Antonyms

• Relaxation
• Stillness
• Calm

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• The pronunciation of "clonus" tends to be consistent across various English dialects, though certain regional accents may influence the emphasis placed on different syllables.

Historical Usage

The term "clonus" was first introduced in the medical field in the early 19th century to describe the muscular spasms associated with nervous system disorders. It has since become a key term in neurology to describe a symptom of various conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injury.

Cultural Nuances

In medical contexts, "clonus" is often discussed as a sign of neurological dysfunction. Its recognition is crucial in diagnosing conditions related to brain and spinal cord injuries. In broader society, however, the term may not be as widely known, as it is mostly used in clinical or academic settings.

More Information

Clonus is typically observed in the lower limbs, although it can occur in other parts of the body. The involuntary muscle contractions that characterize clonus can vary in frequency and intensity. Medical professionals often test for clonus using the "ankle clonus test," where the ankle is quickly stretched to elicit the reflex. The presence of clonus may indicate neurological damage, and the condition is commonly associated with diseases such as cerebral palsy and certain types of brain injury.