Library / English Dictionary

HYPERTONIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

(of a solution) having a higher osmotic pressure than a comparison solution

Classified under:

Adjectives

Antonym:

hypotonic ((of a solution) having a lower osmotic pressure than a comparison solution)

isotonic ((used of solutions) having the same or equal osmotic pressure)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(of living tissue) in a state of abnormally high tension

Example:

hypertonic muscle tissue

Classified under:

Adjectives

Antonym:

hypotonic ((of living tissue) lacking normal tone or tension)

Derivation:

hypertonia; hypertonus ((of muscular tissue) the state of being hypertonic)

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