TONIC • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Tonic

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/tˈɑnɪk/ Listen

noun

Tonic n.

1.

(Phon.) A tonic element or letter; a vowel or a diphthong.

2.

(Mus.) The key tone, or first tone of any scale.

3.

(Med.) A medicine that increases the strength, and gives vigor of action to the system.

Tonic sol-fa (Mus.), the name of the most popular among letter systems of notation (at least in England), based on key relationship, and hence called "tonic." Instead of the five lines, clefs, signature, etc., of the usual notation, it employs letters and the syllables do, re, mi, etc., variously modified, with other simple signs of duration, of upper or lower octave, etc. See Sol-fa.

adjective

Tonic adj.

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."

2.

Of or pertaining to tension; increasing tension; hence, increasing strength; as, tonic power.

3.

(Med.) Increasing strength, or the tone of the animal system; obviating the effects of debility, and restoring healthy functions.

4.

(Med.) Characterized by continuous muscular contraction; as, tonic convulsions.

Tonic spasm. (Med.) See the Note under Spasm.

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Etymology of 'Tonic'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Tonic" Quotes from Famous Books

... have been enabled to ascertain the regular recurrence of the same successions of facts, and these results have been expressed in formulae which are sometimes called laws (for example, the law of the tonic accent); these are never more than empirical laws which merely indicate successions of facts without explaining them, for they do not reveal the efficient cause. But specialists, influenced by a natural metaphor, and ...

— Introduction to the Study of History • Charles V. Langlois

... regard officialism and incompetency as synonymous terms. By such association, any bureaucratic tendency which may exist on the part of the British official is kept in check, whilst his individualism is subjected to a sustained and healthy course of tonic treatment. ...

— Political and Literary essays, 1908-1913 • Evelyn Baring

... I see the whole position. He's a bit out of condition, Wants a tonic and skilled treatment. Yes, no doubt that's what it means. With an appetite that's picksome comes a temper tart and tric But a pick-me-up—I'll send one—will, I'm sure set all that square. And if there's further wasting, then, without too headlong hasting, ...

— Punch, Or The London Charivari, Volume 102, March 12, 1892 • Various

... Riverius are supposed to owe their antiemetic effects to the air, which is separated from the salt of wormwood during the act of effervescence. And the tonic powers of many mineral waters seem to depend on this principle. I was lately desired to visit a lady who had most severe convulsive REACHINGS. Various remedies had been administered without effect, before I saw her. She earnestly desired a draught of malt liquor, ...

— Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air • Joseph Priestley

... was so cordial that he felt himself thoroughly at home. Indeed Mr. Juxon already rejoiced at his wisdom in asking John to the Hall. The lad was strong, hopeful, well-balanced in every respect and his presence was an admirable tonic to the almost morbid state of anxiety in which the squire had lived ever since his interview with Policeman Gall, two days before. In the sunshine of John's young personality, fears grew small and hope grew big. The ...

— A Tale of a Lonely Parish • F. Marion Crawford

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