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inotropic

American  
[ee-nuh-trop-ik, -troh-pik, ahy-nuh-] / ˌi nəˈtrɒp ɪk, -ˈtroʊ pɪk, ˌaɪ nə- /

adjective

Physiology.
  1. influencing the contractility of muscular tissue.


inotropic British  
/ ˌɪnəˈtrɒpɪk, ˌaɪnə- /

adjective

  1. affecting or controlling the contraction of muscles, esp those of the heart

    inotropic drugs

"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

Etymology

Origin of inotropic

1900–05; < Greek īno- (combining form of ī́s fiber, sinew) + -tropic

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.

From the American Journal of Therapeutics: It “exerts no effect on the coronary flow, contractility, blood pressure, or heart rate. It has no significant negative inotropic or vasodilatory properties at rest or during exercise.”

From Washington Post • Feb. 11, 2022

In addition to the catecholamines from the adrenal medulla, other hormones also demonstrate positive inotropic effects.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Other factors such as electrolytes may be classified as either positive or negative inotropic agents.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The drug digitalis lowers HR and increases the strength of the contraction, acting as a positive inotropic agent by blocking the sequestering of calcium ions into the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Negative inotropic agents include hypoxia, acidosis, hyperkalemia, and a variety of synthetic drugs.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013