tonic

[ˈtɒnɪk]

tonic Definition

• 1. a medicinal substance taken to give a feeling of vigor or well-being
• 2. a drink that contains quinine and is used to treat or prevent malaria
• 3. a musical chord that is the first and last note of a major scale

Using tonic: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tonic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She took a tonic for her headache.

• Example

  The bartender mixed a gin and tonic for me.

• Example

  Quinine is a key ingredient in tonic water.

• Example

  The tonic chord sets the key for the entire piece.

tonic Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tonic

• stimulant
• restorative
• refresher
• pick-me-up

Antonyms for tonic

• depressant
• sedative

Idioms Using tonic

• tonic sol-fa

  a system of musical notation based on the relationship between the tones of the major scale

  Example

  She learned to sing using the tonic sol-fa method.

• tonic-clonic seizure

  a type of seizure that involves both tonic and clonic movements, characterized by sudden loss of consciousness, stiffening of the body, and convulsions

  Example

  He was diagnosed with tonic-clonic seizures and prescribed medication to control them.

• tonic water bath

  a treatment for skin conditions that involves soaking in a bath of tonic water

  Example

  She tried a tonic water bath to relieve her eczema symptoms.

Phrases with tonic

• tonic water

  a carbonated soft drink flavored with quinine, typically used as a mixer for alcoholic drinks

  Example

  I ordered a gin and tonic with lime.

• tonic seizure

  a type of seizure characterized by sudden muscle contractions and stiffness

  Example

  He experienced a tonic seizure during his epilepsy episode.

• tonic immobility

  a natural state of paralysis that animals enter when they are in extreme danger, also known as 'playing dead'

  Example

  The possum went into tonic immobility when it sensed the predator nearby.

Origins of tonic

from Greek 'tonikos', meaning 'of stretching'

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Summary: tonic in Brief

The term 'tonic' [ˈtɒnɪk] refers to a medicinal substance that promotes vigor or well-being, such as 'She took a tonic for her headache.' It also denotes a drink containing quinine, like 'The bartender mixed a gin and tonic for me.' In music, 'tonic' refers to the first and last note of a major scale. Phrases include 'tonic water,' a mixer for alcoholic drinks, and 'tonic immobility,' a natural state of paralysis in animals. Idioms include 'tonic sol-fa,' a system of musical notation, and 'tonic-clonic seizure,' a type of seizure involving sudden loss of consciousness and convulsions.