Definition of hypertonic in English:
hypertonic
adjective ˌhʌɪpəˈtɒnɪkˌhaɪpərˈtɑnɪk
1Biology
Having a higher osmotic pressure than a particular fluid, typically a body fluid or intracellular fluid.
Example sentencesExamples
- Neurologically they are hypertonic and may have frequent episodes of apnea.
- In hypertonic syndromes the brain compensates by increasing osmoles in the brain cells.
- Being a breakdown product of hemoglobin, urine is colored by urobilinogen and is more hypertonic than plasma and more acid.
- If water flows from the cell into the stronger solution outside, the external solution is said to be hypertonic.
- Vasopressin continued to act in patients excreting isotonic or hypertonic urine, so hypotonic intake must be avoided in them.
2Physiology
Of or in a state of abnormally high muscle tone.
Example sentencesExamples
- When the nervous system becomes involved, the muscle tendon bundles remain hypertonic and pain reflexes in the area are activated.
- Whilst the muscles are not necessarily hypertonic in osteoporosis they are likely to have undergone fibrotic changes.
Definition of hypertonic in US English:
hypertonic
adjectiveˌhaɪpərˈtɑnɪkˌhīpərˈtänik
1Biology
Having a higher osmotic pressure than a particular fluid, typically a body fluid or intracellular fluid.
Example sentencesExamples
- In hypertonic syndromes the brain compensates by increasing osmoles in the brain cells.
- Being a breakdown product of hemoglobin, urine is colored by urobilinogen and is more hypertonic than plasma and more acid.
- If water flows from the cell into the stronger solution outside, the external solution is said to be hypertonic.
- Neurologically they are hypertonic and may have frequent episodes of apnea.
- Vasopressin continued to act in patients excreting isotonic or hypertonic urine, so hypotonic intake must be avoided in them.
2Physiology
Of or in a state of abnormally high muscle tone.
Example sentencesExamples
- When the nervous system becomes involved, the muscle tendon bundles remain hypertonic and pain reflexes in the area are activated.
- Whilst the muscles are not necessarily hypertonic in osteoporosis they are likely to have undergone fibrotic changes.