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Definition

noun

(1) A condition or property of a solution in which its solute concentration is the same as the solute concentration of another solution with which it is compared.

(2) A condition or property of a solution which has the same tonicity as the other solution with which it is compared.

(3) A condition in which the muscle remains to be in a relatively constant tension while its length changes.

Supplement

Isotonicity occurs in a cell when its solute concentration is the same as the solute concentration of the environment surrounding the cell. The result is there is no net movement of the water and permeable solutes.

Word origin: ISO– + Greek tonos, tension.
Related forms: isotonic (adjective)

Compare: hypertonicity, hypotonicity
See also: tonicity