The changes in excitability and conductivity in a nerve or muscle in the neighborhood of the cathode during the passage of a constant electric current. [cathode + electrotonus]
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cat·elec·trot·o·nus .kat-i-.lek-'trät-ən-əs n the local depolarization and increased irritability of a nerve in the region of the negative electrode or cathode on the passage of a current of electricity through it compare ANELECTROTONUS
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cat·elec·trot·o·nus (kat″ə-lek-trotґə-nəs) [cata- + electrotonus] increase of irritability of a nerve or muscle near the cathode during passage of an electric current.Medical dictionary. 2011.