isometric

views updated Jun 11 2018

i·so·met·ric / ˌīsəˈmetrik/ • adj. 1. of or having equal dimensions.2. Physiol. of, relating to, or denoting muscular action in which tension is developed without contraction of the muscle.3. (in technical or architectural drawing) incorporating a method of showing projection or perspective in which the three principal dimensions are represented by three axes 120° apart.4. Math. (of a transformation) without change of shape or size.DERIVATIVES: i·so·met·ri·cal·ly / -ik(ə)lē/ adv.i·som·e·try / īˈsämitrē/ n. (in sense 4).

isometrics

views updated May 21 2018

isometrics A form of strength training in which muscles are contracted strongly without producing significant movement, by opposing themselves against a fixed object or, more commonly, the same action of the opposite limb or the antagonist muscles of the same limb. The term is derived from the muscle physiologist's adjective, ‘isometric’, describing a contraction in which the muscle does not change length. Contrast ‘isotonics’ and ‘isokinetics’: both of these develop strength over the whole range of joint angles, which isometrics cannot do.

Neil C. Spurway

isometrics

views updated May 23 2018

i·so·met·rics / ˌīsəˈmetriks/ • pl. n. a system of physical exercises in which muscles are caused to act against each other or against a fixed object. Also called isometric exercise.

isometric

views updated May 11 2018

isometric (I-soh-met-rik) adj. of or denoting muscular contraction that does not cause muscle shortening. i. exercise see exercise.

isometric

views updated Jun 08 2018

isometric (from Gr. isos, equal). Having the same rhythm in every v. or part (i.e. proceeding in chords rather than in freely moving counterpoint).

isometric

views updated May 08 2018

isometric See CUBIC.