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hypotonic

American  
[hahy-puh-ton-ik] / ˌhaɪ pəˈtɒn ɪk /

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 (opposed to hypertonic).


hypotonic British  
/ ˌhaɪpəˈtɒnɪk /

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

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of hypotonic

First recorded in 1890–95; hypo- + tonic


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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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In a hypotonic environment, cells tend to swell due to intake of water.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

In a hypotonic situation, the extracellular fluid has lower osmolarity than the fluid inside the cell, and water enters the cell.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

As seen in Figure 32.2, a cell placed in water tends to swell due to gain of water from the hypotonic or “low salt” environment.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

Sports drinks can be divided into hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic.

From Textbooks ● Dec. 21, 2021

We have thus two poles of diffusion of contrary signs, a hypotonic pole at the water drop, and a hypertonic pole at the salt drop.

From The Mechanism of Life by Stéphane Leduc

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