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Definition

adjective

1. having a lesser degree of tone or tension, as in a ‘hypotonic muscle’

2. having a lesser osmotic pressure in a fluid compared to another fluid, as in a ‘hypotonic solution’ – compare hypertonic, isotonic

3. refers to a solution with a comparatively lower concentration of solutes compared to another

Supplement

Related forms: hypotonicity (noun).
Synonym: hypoisotonic.
Compare: hypertonic, isotonic.
See also: solution, diffusion.

User Contributions / Comments:

• A lowly concentrated solution (dilute) is described as hypotonic because it has less of the solute molecules, but more of the solvent molecules.