hypertonic

[ hahy-per-ton-ik ]

/ ˌhaɪ pərˈtɒn ɪk /

adjective

Physiology. of or relating to hypertonia.

Physical Chemistry. noting a solution of higher osmotic pressure than another solution with which it is compared (opposed to hypotonic).Compare isotonic(def 1).

QUIZZES

How Hip Is Your Lingo? Take Our Slang Quiz!

If you aren’t already skilled in slang, then this quiz can get you up to speed in no time!

Question 1 of 11

OK Boomer can be perceived as pejorative, but it is mostly considered to be _____

a slang word for astronauts that originated in the 1950s.

a comment toward the Baby Boomer generation that is humorous or ironic in usage.

an obsolete slang term about people who speak loudly.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of hypertonic

First recorded in 1850–55; hyperton(ia) + -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM hypertonic

hy·per·to·nic·i·ty

[hahy-per-toh-nis-i-tee] /ˌhaɪ pər toʊˈnɪs ɪ ti/, noun

Words nearby hypertonic

hyperthymism, hyperthyroid, hyperthyroidism, hyperthyroxinemia, hypertonia, hypertonic, hypertrichosis, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertrophic arthritis, hypertrophic gastritis, hypertrophic hypersecretory gastropathy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for hypertonicity

hypertonic

/ (ˌhaɪpəˈtɒnɪk) /

adjective

(esp of muscles) being in a state of abnormally high tension

(of a solution) having a higher osmotic pressure than that of a specified, generally physiological, solutionCompare hypotonic, isotonic

Derived forms of hypertonic

hypertonicity (ˌhaɪpətəʊˈnɪsɪtɪ), noun

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

Medical definitions for hypertonicity

hypertonic

[ hī′pər-tŏn′ĭk ]

adj.

Having extreme muscular or arterial tension; spastic.

Having the higher osmotic pressure of two solutions.

Other words from hypertonic

hy′per•to•nic′i•ty (-tə-nĭs′ĭ-tē, -tō-) n.