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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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Freshwater fish live in an environment that is hypotonic to their cells.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

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

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

An eccrine sweat gland is type of gland that produces a hypotonic sweat for thermoregulation.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

These particles are drawn along with the water stream which passes from the hypotonic centres or regions toward those which are hypertonic.

From The Mechanism of Life by Stéphane Leduc

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