hypotonic

[ hahy-puh-ton-ik ]

/ ˌhaɪ pəˈtɒn ɪk /

Save This Word!

adjective

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).

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of hypotonic

First recorded in 1890–95; hypo- + tonic

OTHER WORDS FROM hypotonic

hy·po·to·nic·i·ty

[hahy-poh-toh-nis-i-tee], /ˌhaɪ poʊ toʊˈnɪs ɪ ti/, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for hypotonic

hypotonic

/ (ˌhaɪpəˈtɒnɪk) /

adjective

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

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