All-or-none law


the principle that under given conditions the response of a nerve or muscle fiber to a stimulus at any strength above the threshold is the same: the muscle or nerve responds completely or not at all.

all-or-none law n.
The principle that the strength by which a nerve or muscle fiber responds to a stimulus is not dependent on the strength of the stimulus. If the stimulus is any strength above threshold, the nerve or muscle fiber will either give a complete response or no response at all.
all’-or-none’ adj.

Read Also:

  • All-or-nothing

    not allowing for qualification or compromise; either fully or not at all operative: an all-or-nothing approach. Contemporary Examples American politics has also too frequently become an all-or-nothing proposition, making the USA the United States of Agita. Neither “Best Friend” Nor “Anti-Israel” Gil Troy October 16, 2012 Balance seems too subtle a concept for all-or-nothing absolutists. […]

  • All' ottava

    a direction (8va), placed above or below the staff to indicate that the passage covered is to be played one octave higher or lower respectively.

  • Allot

    to divide or distribute by share or portion; distribute or parcel out; apportion: to allot the available farmland among the settlers. to appropriate for a special purpose: to allot money for a park. to assign as a portion; set apart; dedicate. Historical Examples We allot them only a few hours to consider a given question. […]

  • All out

    using all one’s resources; complete; total: an all-out effort. the whole of (used in referring to quantity, extent, or duration): all the cake; all the way; all year. the whole number of (used in referring to individuals or particulars, taken collectively): all students. the greatest possible (used in referring to quality or degree): with all […]

  • All over

    the whole of (used in referring to quantity, extent, or duration): all the cake; all the way; all year. the whole number of (used in referring to individuals or particulars, taken collectively): all students. the greatest possible (used in referring to quality or degree): with all due respect; with all speed. every: all kinds; all […]


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