hypotonic
Physiology. (of tissue) having less than the normal tone.
Physical Chemistry. noting a solution of lower osmotic pressure than another solution with which it is compared (opposed to hypertonic).: Compare isotonic (def. 1).
Compare Meanings
Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.
Origin of hypotonic
1Other words from hypotonic
- hy·po·to·nic·i·ty [hahy-poh-toh-nis-i-tee], /ˌhaɪ poʊ toʊˈnɪs ɪ ti/, noun
Words Nearby hypotonic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use hypotonic in a sentence
In a hypotonic solution they swell up and burst, the hmoglobin dissolving in the liquid and colouring it red.
The Mechanism of Life | Stphane LeducThese give it an osmotic pressure which prevents the deleterious effects of a strongly hypotonic liquid.
The Mechanism of Life | Stphane LeducUnder the influence of such a hypotonic solution the dry cells rapidly swell up, burst, and are dissolved.
The Mechanism of Life | Stphane LeducIt gains weight in a hypotonic solution, the water current setting towards the point of higher concentration.
The Mechanism of Life | Stphane LeducA bipolar field has a hypertonic pole or centre of concentration, and a hypotonic pole or centre of dilution.
The Mechanism of Life | Stphane Leduc
British Dictionary definitions for hypotonic
/ (ˌhaɪpəˈtɒnɪk) /
pathol (of muscles) lacking normal tone or tension
(of a solution) having a lower osmotic pressure than that of a specified, generally physiological, solution: Compare hypertonic, isotonic
Derived forms of hypotonic
- hypotonicity (ˌhaɪpətəˈnɪsɪtɪ), 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
Browse