'Tonic spasm' definitions:

Definition of 'Tonic spasm'

From: GCIDE
  • Tonic \Ton"ic\, a. [Cf. F. tonigue, Gr. ?. See Tone.]
  • 1. Of or relating to tones or sounds; specifically (Phon.), applied to, or distingshing, a speech sound made with tone unmixed and undimmed by obstruction, such sounds, namely, the vowels and diphthongs, being so called by Dr. James Rush (1833) " from their forming the purest and most plastic material of intonation." [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Of or pertaining to tension; increasing tension; hence, increasing strength; as, tonic power. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Med.) Increasing strength, or the tone of the animal system; obviating the effects of debility, and restoring healthy functions. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Med.) Characterized by continuous muscular contraction; as, tonic convulsions. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  • Tonic spasm. (Med.) See the Note under Spasm. [1913 Webster]