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

/ haɪˈpɜːtrəfɪ; ˌhaɪpəˈtrɒfɪk /

noun

1. See hyperplasia, atrophy
   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

In the heart, it reversed age-induced cardiac hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart).

From The Daily Beast

It is nearly always accompanied by a distinct hypertrophy of the thymus gland.

From Project Gutenberg

But a prolonged use of the visual mechanism tends to hypertrophy—or atrophy, as the eyes of deep-sea fishes show.

From Project Gutenberg

It is, however, when the major leaves that we understand the intense hypertrophy of life evoked by imminent death.

From Project Gutenberg

Fourthly, the rarest have been hypertrophy and hypertrophy with dilatation.

From Project Gutenberg

Eczema verrucosum presents similar conditions, but, in addition, displays a tendency to papillary or wart-like hypertrophy.

From Project Gutenberg