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Definition

noun

(1) A condition in which there is an excessive stiffness, tension and spasticity of the muscle resulting in a reduced ability of the muscle to stretch.

(2) Abnormal increase in tension in a body part.

Supplement

Word origin: hyper (over, above) + tonia » Greek tónos (tone).

Compare: hypotonia.

Related terms: 

• Sympathetic hypertonia
• Hypertonia polycythemica
• Muscle hypertonia