hypertrophic

American  

[hahy-per-trof-ik, -troh-fik] / ˌhaɪ pərˈtrɒf ɪk, -ˈtroʊ fɪk /

adjective

1. (especially of an organ or tissue) abnormally enlarged or overgrown.

   The doctor’s examination revealed hypertrophic tonsils.

   Communities of zooplankton can reach enormous densities in these naturally hypertrophic habitats, and they represent an important food resource for migratory birds.

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Other Word Forms

• pseudohypertrophic adjective

Etymology

Origin of hypertrophic

hypertroph(y) ( def. ) + -ic

Example Sentences

In 1992, his son Daniel died aged 15 from the genetic heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy while playing football at home with Yorath.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

"By having more oxygen available during exercise, patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can more easily walk, perform household chores, and do other everyday tasks," said cardiologist Ahmad Masri, M.D.,

From Science Daily • May 13, 2024

Viewers who give in to the film's schmaltziness will appreciate "A Man Called Otto," which even includes a joke at the irony of Otto's hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic enlargement of the heart.

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2023

Another potentially lethal heart condition affecting some young athletes is a genetic disorder known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2023

Hypertrophy of the Liver.—The average weight of the normal liver is from 50 to 55 ounces, but as noted by Powell, it may become so hypertrophic as to weigh as much as 40 pounds.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)