Hypertrophic refers to an increase in the size of an organ or tissue through the enlargement of its cells, often in response to increased workload or stress. This term is commonly used in medical contexts, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle thickens. Such changes can be physiological, as seen in athletes, or pathological, resulting from conditions like high blood pressure. The process can affect various tissues, including muscle, heart, and skin.