tono-, -tonia, -tone, -tony, -tonic, -tonical (tension) +
(Greek: tonos = tension, pressure)
The element tono- is a combining form with the meanings "stretching", "tension", "tone", used in the formation of compound words.
The suffix element -tonia is a combining form with the meanings of "muscle tension" or "nerve tension"; as specified by the initial element: hypertonia; used also in the formation of words that denote more generally a personality type or personality disorder; for example, catatonia and somatotonia.
tonography
1. The recording of changes in intraocular pressure produced by the constant application of a known weight on the globe of the eye, reflecting the facility of outflow of the aqueous humor from the anterior chamber.
2. Continuous measurement of intraocular pressure to determine the facility of aqueous outflow, used to determine the presence of glaucoma.
3. The procedure of recording measurements (as of intraocular pressure) with a tonometer.
tonometer
1. An instrument for measuring tension or pressure.
2. An instrument by which intraocular pressure is measured; also called, ophthalmotonometer.
tonometry
1. The measurement of tension or pressure.
2. A procedure that measures the pressure inside the eyes. This is a screening test for glaucoma and is performed by an ophthalmologist.
tonoplast
The cytoplasmic membrane that surrounds a vacuole or cytoplasm of a plant cell. Also called vacuolar membrane.
tonoscillograph
An instrument that produces graphic records of arterial and capillary pressures as well as of individual pulse characters.
tonoscillography
A method of automatically recording blood pressure in the extremities.
vagotonia, vagotonic
1. Hyperexcitability of the vagus nerve, producing bradycardia, decreased heart output, and faintness,
2. Overactivity or irritability of the vagus nerve, adversely affecting function of the blood vessels, stomach, and muscles.
3. Hyperexcitability of the vagus nerve, a condition in which the vagus nerve dominates in the general functioning of the body organs.
It is marked by vasomotor instability, constipation, sweating and involuntary motor spasms with pain.
Related "tension" words at this tend-, tendo- unit.