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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, ˌhaɪpətəˈnɪsɪtɪ /

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

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In such hypotonic environments, these fish do not drink much water.

From Textbooks Jun. 9, 2022

Water, which is hypotonic with respect to body fluids.

From Textbooks Jun. 9, 2022

Cells are then made to swell using a hypotonic solution so the chromosomes spread apart.

From Textbooks Jun. 9, 2022

Before equilibrium was reached, the solution with more sugar was hypertonic, or “above strength,” and the solution with less sugar was hypotonic, or “below strength.”

From Textbooks Jan. 1, 2018

In a hypotonic solution they swell up and burst, the h�moglobin dissolving in the liquid and colouring it red.

From The Mechanism of Life by Leduc, Stéphane

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