hypotonic
[hahy-puh-ton-ik]
- 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).
Show More
Origin of hypotonic
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for hypotonic
Historical Examples
In a hypotonic solution they swell up and burst, the hmoglobin dissolving in the liquid and colouring it red.
The Mechanism of LifeStphane Leduc
Under the influence of such a hypotonic solution the dry cells rapidly swell up, burst, and are dissolved.
The Mechanism of LifeStphane Leduc
It gains weight in a hypotonic solution, the water current setting towards the point of higher concentration.
The Mechanism of LifeStphane Leduc
A bipolar field has a hypertonic pole or centre of concentration, and a hypotonic pole or centre of dilution.
The Mechanism of LifeStphane Leduc
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.
The Mechanism of LifeStphane Leduc
hypotonic
- pathol (of muscles) lacking normal tone or tension
- (of a solution) having a lower osmotic pressure than that of a specified, generally physiological, solutionCompare hypertonic, isotonic
Show More
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
Word Origin and History for hypotonic
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
hypotonic
(hī′pō-tŏn′ĭk)- Having less than normal tone or tension, as of muscles or arteries.
- Having a lower osmotic pressure than a reference solution.
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.