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tonus

n. a continuous, slight stretching tension or contraction in muscles when they are at rest. For example, the jaw muscles exhibit tonus when not used for eating or talking. Tonus serves to keep the muscles ready for action. See also tonic.

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Psychology term of the day

October 10th 2024

anal eroticism

anal eroticism

in psychoanalytic theory, pleasurable sensations associated with expulsion, retention, or observation of the feces or through stimulation of the anus. These sensations first arise in the anal stage of psychosexual development, between the ages of 1 and 3. Also called anal erotism. See also anal personality; coprophilia.