Definition

A condition where there is less than normal muscle tone, leading to weakness and reduced strength in the muscles.

Example

The doctor diagnosed the child with hypotonia after observing their weak muscle tone.

Conversation

I read an article about hypotonia and how it affects muscle control.

Oh really? What did it say about it?

It explained that hypotonia is basically an abnormal loss of muscle tone.

That sounds interesting! I had no idea it could affect movement so much.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypotonia is formed from "hypo-" (meaning under or below) and "tonos" (from Greek, meaning tension or tone). The word describes a condition of reduced muscle tone or tension.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hypo-' meaning 'under' and 'tonos' meaning 'tension' — this helps you remember that hypotonia refers to a state of reduced muscle tension.

Visually Confused Words