1. having a lower concentration of dissolved particles than another solution, causing water to move into cells
Usage: biology; chemistry
2. having abnormally low muscle tone or tension
Usage: medical

Examples

• The hypotonic solution caused the red blood cells to swell.
• Plants placed in hypotonic water will absorb it through osmosis.
• The baby showed hypotonic muscle development during the examination.
• Hypotonic saline is used in certain medical treatments.
• The patient’s hypotonic condition required physical therapy.
• Distilled water is hypotonic compared to most body fluids.