IPA: /ˈtoʊnəs/
KK: /ˈtoʊnəs/
A condition of muscle tension or firmness that helps maintain posture and readiness for movement.
The athlete's tonus was evident as he prepared for the race, showing his muscles were ready and firm.
Tonus comes from Latin 'tonus' (meaning tone or tension), which is derived from the Greek 'tonos' (meaning tension or tone). The word refers to the state of tension or tone in muscles or sound.
Think of 'tone' and remember that 'tonus' relates to the tension or tone in muscles or sound.