HYPERTONIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does hypertonic mean? 

• HYPERTONIC (adjective)
  The adjective HYPERTONIC has 2 senses:

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

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

  Familiarity information: HYPERTONIC used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• HYPERTONIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

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

Context example:

hypertonic muscle tissue

Antonym:

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

Derivation:

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

Sense 2

Meaning:

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

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)