tonic

/ˈtɑnɪk/

/ˈtɒnɪk/

Other forms: tonics; tonically

A tonic is something, sometimes a medicine, that makes you feel better or restores you to health. Before doctors prescribed drugs, crooked salesmen sold all sorts of dubious tonics.

Tonic was used to describe all sorts of concoctions that were supposed to make you feel better or livelier. Some helped and some didn’t. Coca Cola was originally marketed as a tonic — back when it is said to have contained cocaine as well as loads of caffeine. These days we might describe a weekend at the beach or a brisk walk as a tonic, meaning it will refresh you. Others might flee to a gin and tonic — an alcoholic drink.

Definitions of tonic

1. noun

   a medicine that strengthens and invigorates
   synonyms: restorative

   types:

   bracer, pick-me-up

   a tonic or restorative (especially a drink of liquor)

   type of:

   medicament, medication, medicinal drug, medicine

   (medicine) something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease
2. adjective

   imparting vitality and energy
   synonyms: bracing, brisk, fresh, refreshful, refreshing

   invigorating

   imparting strength and vitality
3. noun

   lime- or lemon-flavored carbonated water containing quinine
   synonyms: quinine water, tonic water

   type of:

   soft drink

   nonalcoholic beverage (usually carbonated)
4. noun

   a sweet drink containing carbonated water and flavoring
   “in New England they call sodas tonics”

   synonyms: pop, soda, soda pop, soda water

   type of:

   soft drink

   nonalcoholic beverage (usually carbonated)
5. adjective

   relating to or being the keynote of a major or minor scale
   “tonic harmony”

   synonyms:

   tonal

   having tonality; i.e. tones and chords organized in relation to one tone such as a keynote or tonic
6. noun

   (music) the first note of a diatonic scale
   synonyms: keynote

   types:

   C

   (music) the keynote of the scale of C major

   type of:

   musical note, note, tone

   a notation representing the pitch and duration of a musical sound
7. adjective

   used of syllables
   “a tonic syllables carries the main stress in a word”

   synonyms: accented

   antonyms:

   atonic

   used of syllables
8. adjective

   employing variations in pitch to distinguish meanings of otherwise similar words
   synonyms: tonal
9. adjective

   of or relating to or producing normal tone or tonus in muscles or tissue
   “a tonic reflex”

   “tonic muscle contraction”