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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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • hypotonicity, noun
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Other Words From

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

Origin of hypotonic1

First recorded in 1890–95; hypo- + tonic
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Compare Meanings

How does hypotonic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

In a hypotonic solution they swell up and burst, the hmoglobin dissolving in the liquid and colouring it red.

These give it an osmotic pressure which prevents the deleterious effects of a strongly hypotonic liquid.

Under the influence of such a hypotonic solution the dry cells rapidly swell up, burst, and are dissolved.

It gains weight in a hypotonic solution, the water current setting towards the point of higher concentration.

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

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