all-or-none law (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ɔl-ɔr-nʌn lɔ/

Meaning and Usage

The "all-or-none law" refers to a principle often used in biology and physiology, particularly in the context of nerve impulses. It states that a nerve or muscle fiber will either respond completely to a stimulus (firing an action potential) or not respond at all; there is no partial response. This concept is essential in understanding how electrical signals are transmitted in the nervous system.

Frequency of Use: The term is predominantly used in scientific contexts, particularly in biology and physiology, making it more common in written texts such as textbooks and academic articles rather than in everyday oral speech.

Example Sentences

1. The all-or-none law explains why neurons either fire completely or not at all in response to stimuli.
   (La ley de todo o nada explica por qué las neuronas se activan por completo o no lo hacen ante estímulos.)

2. Understanding the all-or-none law is crucial for students studying the physiology of the nervous system.
   (Entender la ley de todo o nada es crucial para los estudiantes que estudian la fisiología del sistema nervioso.)

3. The all-or-none law was instrumental in developing our knowledge of how signals travel along nerve axons.
   (La ley de todo o nada fue fundamental para desarrollar nuestro conocimiento sobre cómo viajan las señales a lo largo de los axones nerviosos.)

Idiomatic Expressions

While "all-or-none law" itself is not frequently used in idiomatic expressions, the concept can appear in discussions that emphasize binary choices or complete commitments. Here are some expressions that capture a similar sentiment:

1. "It's all or nothing when it comes to achieving your goals."
   (Es todo o nada cuando se trata de alcanzar tus metas.)

2. "You must commit fully; it's an all-or-nothing decision."
   (Debes comprometerte por completo; es una decisión de todo o nada.)

3. "In this business, it's all or nothing; you either succeed or fail spectacularly."
   (En este negocio, es todo o nada; o tienes éxito o fracasas de manera espectacular.)

4. "Her philosophy is clear: in love, it’s all or nothing."
   (Su filosofía es clara: en el amor, es todo o nada.)

Etymology

The term "all-or-none" originates from the combination of "all," meaning complete or total, and "none," meaning zero or nothing. The concept has been used in physiological contexts since the late 19th century to describe how biological systems respond to stimuli.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Complete response - Total action - Binary response

Antonyms: - Partial response - Gradual response - Incremental action