hypertonic

[ hahy-per-ton-ik ]

adjective

1. Physiology. of or relating to hypertonia.
2. Physical Chemistry. noting a solution of higher osmotic pressure than another solution with which it is compared ( hypotonic ). Compare isotonic ( def 1 ).

hypertonic

/ ˌhaɪpətəʊˈnɪsɪtɪ; ˌhaɪpəˈtɒnɪk /

adjective

1. (esp of muscles) being in a state of abnormally high tension
2. (of a solution) having a higher osmotic pressure than that of a specified, generally physiological, solution Compare hypotonic isotonic

Derived Forms

• hypertonicity, noun

Other Words From

• hy·per·to·nic·i·ty [hahy-per-toh-, nis, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypertonic¹

First recorded in 1850–55; hyperton(ia) + -ic

Example Sentences

Rogers has reduced the mortality of cholera by intravenous injections of hypertonic saline until it is only 15 per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

Loeb and Wasteneys found that the hypertonic solution does not increase the rate of oxidations in a fertilized egg.

From Project Gutenberg

What does the hypertonic solution do to prevent the disintegration of the egg after the artificial membrane formation?

From Project Gutenberg

The time of exposure in the hypertonic solution diminishes in certain limits with the concentration of OH ions in the solution.

From Project Gutenberg

A bipolar field has a hypertonic pole or centre of concentration, and a hypotonic pole or centre of dilution.

From Project Gutenberg