hypotonic

[ hahy-puh-ton-ik ]

adjective

1. Physiology. (of tissue) having less than the normal tone.
2. Physical Chemistry. noting a solution of lower osmotic pressure than another solution with which it is compared ( hypertonic ). Compare isotonic ( def 1 ).

hypotonic

/ ˌhaɪpəˈtɒnɪk; ˌhaɪpətəˈnɪsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. pathol (of muscles) lacking normal tone or tension
2. (of a solution) having a lower osmotic pressure than that of a specified, generally physiological, solution Compare hypertonic isotonic

Derived Forms

• hypotonicity, noun

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypotonic¹

First recorded in 1890–95; hypo- + tonic

Example Sentences

“Some do a dance to try to hypotonic the female so she doesn’t strike,” Urban explains.

From The Guardian

All isolated cells were depleted of erythrocytes by hypotonic lysis.

From Nature

Some have spasticity and trouble swallowing; others are hypotonic, moving less than an unaffected baby.

From The Guardian

Finally, a year later, Maryam was diagnosed as having severe hypotonic cerebral palsy, caused by the lack of oxygen when she was born.

From The Guardian

That is a mode of transportation for Sadie, who has hypotonic cerebral palsy, a condition that causes her to have low muscle tone and general weakness.

From Washington Times