atonic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective characterized by a lack of tonus
  2. adjective used of syllables
    unaccented.
    • an atonic syllable carries no stress

WordNet

A*ton"ic adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. atonique. See Atony.
Definitions
  1. (Med.) Characterized by atony, or want of vital energy; as, an atonic disease.
  2. (Gram.) Unaccented; as, an atonic syllable.
  3. Destitute of tone vocality; surd. Rush.
A*ton"ic noun
Definitions
  1. (Gram.) A word that has no accent.
  2. An element of speech entirely destitute of vocality, or produced by the breath alone; a nonvocal or surd consonant; a breathing. Rush.
  3. (Med.) A remedy capable of allaying organic excitement or irritation. Dunglison.

Webster 1913