Definition

Describing a solution that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, often leading to a lower osmotic pressure.

Example

The hypotonic solution caused the cells to swell as water moved in.

Conversation

I learned that a solution can be hypotonic compared to another one.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It means it has lower osmotic pressure, which can affect cells.

That makes sense! It's interesting how science explains things like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypotonic is formed from "hypo-" (meaning under or below) and "tonic" (from Greek "tonikos", meaning tension or tone). The word describes a solution that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, thus having less tension or tone in terms of osmotic pressure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hypo-' meaning 'under' or 'below' and 'tonic' relating to 'tension' — this helps you remember that hypotonic refers to a solution with less tension or concentration.

Visually Confused Words