electrotonus

[ ih-lek-trot-n-uhs, ee-lek- ]

noun

, Physiology.

1. the altered state of a nerve during the passage of an electric current through it.

electrotonus

/ ɪlɛkˈtrɒtənəs; ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈtɒnɪk; ˌiːlɛk- /

noun

1. physiol the change in the state of irritability and conductivity of a nerve or muscle caused by the passage of an electric current

Derived Forms

• electrotonic, adjective

Other Words From

• e·lec·tro·ton·ic [ih-lek-tr, uh, -, ton, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrotonus¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1855–60; electro-, tonus

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrotonus¹

C19: from New Latin, from electro- + Latin tonus tone