hypertrophy

[ hahy-pur-truh-fee ]

noun

, plural hy·per·tro·phies.

1. abnormal enlargement of a part or organ; excessive growth. Compare gigantism ( def 1 ).
2. excessive growth or accumulation of any kind.

verb (used with or without object)

, hy·per·tro·phied, hy·per·tro·phy·ing.

1. to affect with or undergo hypertrophy.

hypertrophy

/ ˌhaɪpəˈtrɒfɪk; haɪˈpɜːtrəfɪ /

noun

1. enlargement of an organ or part resulting from an increase in the size of the cells Compare atrophy hyperplasia

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo this condition

Derived Forms

• hypertrophic, adjective

Other Words From

• hy·per·troph·ic [hahy-per-, trof, -ik, -, troh, -fik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypertrophy¹

First recorded in 1825–35; hyper- + -trophy

Example Sentences

"This neuro-immune-endocrine cooperation synergistically promotes increased production of renin to maintain blood pressure homeostasis, but, on the other hand, severe arteriolar hypertrophy reduces the blood filtration function of the kidney."

From Science Daily

For example, the diabetic human heart organoids were larger, suggesting signs of cardiac hypertrophy -- a first hallmark of maternal pregestational diabetes.

From Science Daily

It is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes overgrown or "hypertrophied".

From BBC

A cardiac pathologist noted in a report that Sandoe had an enlarged heart with acute left ventricular failure and left ventricular hypertrophy.

From Washington Post

When you do strength training, over time, exercises that at first felt difficult become easier as your muscles increase in strength and size — a process called hypertrophy.

From Washington Post