tonic

1. In a state of continuous unremitting action; denoting especially a prolonged muscular contraction. 2. Invigorating; increasing physical or mental tone or strength. 3. A remedy purported to restore enfeebled function and promote vigor and a sense of well-being; tonics are qualified, according to the organ or system on which they are presumed to act, as cardiac, digestive, hematic, vascular, nerve, uterine, general, etc. [G. tonikos, fr. tonos, tone]

- bitter t. a t. of bitter taste, such as quinine, gentian, quassia, etc., which acts chiefly by stimulating the appetite and improving digestion.

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ton·ic 'tän-ik adj

1 a) characterized by tonus <\tonic contraction of muscle> also marked by or being prolonged muscular contraction <\tonic convulsions>

b) producing or adapted to produce healthy muscular condition and reaction of organs (as muscles)

2 a) increasing or restoring physical or mental tone

b) yielding a tonic substance

ton·i·cal·ly 'tän-i-k(ə-)lē adv

tonic n an agent (as a drug) that increases body tone

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1. adj.

a) relating to normal muscle tone.

b) marked by continuous tension (contraction), e.g. a tonic muscle spasm.

2. n. a medicinal substance purporting to increase vigour and liveliness and produce a feeling of well-being: beneficial effects of tonics are probably due to their placebo action.

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ton·ic (tonґik) [Gr. tonikos] 1. producing and restoring the normal tone. 2. characterized by continuous tension. 3. a term formerly used for a class of medicinal preparations believed to have the power of restoring normal tone to tissue; named for the organ or system on which they acted, e.g., cardiac tonic, digestive tonic.