tonic

1 of 2

noun

ton·​ic ˈtä-nik 

1

a

: tonic water

b

: an agent (such as a drug) that increases body tone

c

: one that invigorates, restores, refreshes, or stimulates

a day in the country was a tonic for him

d

: a liquid preparation for the scalp or hair

e

chiefly New England : a carbonated flavored beverage

2

: the first tone of a major or minor scale : keynote

3

: a voiced sound

tonic

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: characterized by tonus

tonic contraction of muscle

also : marked by prolonged muscular contraction

tonic convulsions

b

: producing or adapted to produce healthy muscular condition and reaction of organs (such as muscles)

2

a

: increasing or restoring physical or mental tone : refreshing

b

: yielding a tonic substance

3

: relating to or based on the first tone of a scale

tonic harmony

4

of a syllable : bearing a principal stress or accent

5

: of or relating to speech tones or to languages using them to distinguish words otherwise identical

tonically

ˈtä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

Adjective

• bracing
• cordial
• invigorating
• refreshing
• rejuvenating
• restorative
• reviving
• stimulating
• stimulative
• vital
• vitalizing

Examples of tonic in a Sentence

Adjective

breathe in clear tonic mountain air

never underestimate the tonic power of humor on a sick person

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After moving to Kenya, Australian expat Guy Brennan found a reliable way to beat the heat: enjoying a few gin and tonics in his backyard. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2024

Its signature drink is Roku Rickey, a refreshing gin cocktail made with Japanese Roku gin, yuzu, and elderflower tonic. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

Adjective

Research has found that turmeric supplements may delay the onset of tonic-clonic seizures as well as myoclonic jerks. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2022

Across the courtyard from the tonic bar is an indoor/outdoor smoking space about the size of all three cabanas smooshed together and an eastern-facing glass wall that slides open. —Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Greek tonikos, from tonos tension, tone

First Known Use

Noun

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tonic

• tonic accent
• tonic sol-fa
• tonic water

Kids Definition

tonic

1 of 2 adjective

ton·​ic ˈtän-ik 

1

: making (as the mind or body) stronger or healthier

2

: relating to or based on the first tone of a scale

tonic chord

tonic harmony

tonic

2 of 2 noun

1

a

: a medicine that increases body tone

b

: a liquid to be used on the hair or scalp

c

chiefly New England : soda pop

d

: tonic water

2

: the first tone of a scale

Medical Definition

tonic

1 of 2 adjective

ton·​ic ˈtän-ik 

1

a

: characterized by tonus

tonic contraction of muscle

also : marked by or being prolonged muscular contraction

tonic convulsions

b

: producing or adapted to produce healthy muscular condition and reaction of organs (as muscles)

2

a

: increasing or restoring physical or mental tone

b

: yielding a tonic substance

tonically

ˈtän-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

tonic

2 of 2 noun

: an agent (as a drug) that increases body tone