Tonic

/ˈtɒnɪk/ · adjective

Meaning

(physics, pathology) Pertaining to tension, especially of the muscles..

Definitions by Sense

1. (physics, pathology) Pertaining to tension, especially of the muscles.
2. Restorative; curative; or invigorating.
3. (medicine, neuroscience) In a state of continuous unremitting action.
4. A substance with medicinal properties intended to restore or invigorate.
5. Tonic water.
6. (US, Eastern Massachusetts, dated) Any of various carbonated, non-alcoholic beverages; soda pop.
7. (figuratively) Someone or something that revitalises or reinvigorates.
8. (medicine, archaic) To restore or invigorate.

Example Sentences

Out in front and across the street, Doc noted half a dozen or so young men, not loitering or doing substances but poised and tonic, as if waiting for some standing order to take effect.

The arrival of the new members had a tonic effect on the team.

Peter Redgrave (2007) Basal ganglia. Scholarpedia, 2(6):1825. GABAergic neurones in the basal ganglia output nuclei have high tonic firing rates (40-80 Hz).

We used to brew a tonic from a particular kind of root.

Charlie ain't no Nazi / She likes to wear her leather boots / 'Cause it's exciting for the veterans / And it's a tonic for the troops.

'You're a tonic, Dee,' she said. 'And a real friend. Thanks.'

The result is the perfect tonic for Newcastle, coming at the end of a week that saw the departure of Andy Carroll to Liverpool on Monday and an injury to Shola Ameobi during Wednesday's defeat at Fulham.

When all signs of effusion, dulness, pain, œgophony, and cough had disappeared he was dieted, stimulated, and tonicked.

Synonyms for tonic

Antonyms for tonic

Related Words

Word Forms

• more tonic
• most tonic
• tonick
• tonics
• tonicking
• tonicked

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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