hypotonic

(hī'pō-tŏn'ĭk)

1. Pathology. Having less than normal tone or tension, as of muscles or arteries.
2. Chemistry. Having the lower osmotic pressure of two fluids.

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A solution more dilute than the body fluids, see isotonic.

1. Applied to an external fluid which causes cells to increase in volume.

2. Applied to sports drinks that have a salt concentration less than that of the body fluids.

3. Applied to conditions below normal tension or tone.

1. (of a solution) having a lower osmotic pressure than that of some given solution, particularly the fluid in or surrounding a given type of cell or a body fluid.
2. (of a muscle) showing or characterized by diminished tone or tension. Compare hypertonic.

1. having an abnormally reduced tonicity or tension.
2. having an osmotic pressure lower than that of the solution with which it is compared.

• h. dehydration — occurs when there is secretory loss of sodium from the intestinal epithelium, e.g. salmonellosis, in osmolar excess of the concurrent fluid loss. See also dehydration.

Exhibiting less tension or firmness.