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hypotonicity

hypotonicity

9.9
A liquid with less salt than blood so water moves into cells
  • noun
  • /ˌhaɪpəˈtɒnɪsɪti/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hipotonicidad
  • The hypotonicity of the solution caused water to move into the cells, leading to swelling.

Examples

  • Dialysis fluids are carefully adjusted to control their hypotonicity relative to blood plasma.

  • You must understand hypotonicity when preparing intravenous fluids for patients.

  • The hypotonicity of the solution affects cell behavior.

  • In biology, hypotonicity can lead to cell swelling.

  • The hypotonicity of the saline solution helped to replenish the patient's fluid levels effectively.

  • In the laboratory, researchers studied the hypotonicity of various solutions to determine their effects on cells.

  • Understanding the hypotonicity of different fluids is essential for safely administering intravenous therapy.

Antonyms

hypertonicity
  • Specialized
9.7

A liquid with more salt that draws water out of cells

How Concentrated

hypertonicity
  • Specialized
9.7
isotonic
  • Specialized
6.8
hypotonicity
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

hypotonicity singular
hypotonicities plural

Morphology

hypotonicity = hypotonic (semi-transparent) = hypo + tonic + ity

This is a regular noun formation from the adjective 'hypotonic' using the productive suffix '-ity'.

Etymology

Hypotonicity comes from the parts hypo- meaning 'less' or 'under' and tonic meaning 'tone' or 'tension', like the common word tone. In the sense of solutions, it means there is 'less' pushing force to stop water, so water moves into cells and they can swell, which is why we talk about a solution's hypotonicity.