Tonic
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /ˈtɒnɪk/
- Rhymes: -ɒnɪk
Origin 1
Alternative forms
- tonick obsolete
From Ancient Greek τονικός, from τόνος. 17th century writers believed health to be derived from firmly stretched muscles, thus tonic; the extension of tonic medicine appeared in the late 18th century.
Full definition of tonic
Adjective
tonic
- (physics, pathology) Pertaining to tension, especially of muscles.
- 2009, Thomas Pynchon, Inherent Vice, Vintage 2010, p. 316: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.
- Restorative, curative or invigorating.The arrival of the new members had a tonic effect on the team.
Noun
tonic
(plural tonics)- A drink intended to restore or invigorate.We used to brew a tonic from a particular kind of root.
- Tonic water.
- (US, Northeastern US) Any of various carbonated, non-alcoholic beverages; soda pop.
- (figuratively) Something that revitalises or reinvigorates.
- 2011, February 5, Paul Fletcher, Newcastle 4 - 4 Arsenal, 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.