hypotonicity
This term is a specialized technical descriptor used almost exclusively in biology, chemistry, and medicine. It describes a specific osmotic relationship where a solution has a lower concentration of solutes than a neighboring cell or solution, leading to the net movement of water into the area of higher solute concentration.
Because it refers to a specific chemical state or property, the word is treated as an uncountable noun. It does not refer to individual instances of hypotonicity but rather to the general quality or condition of being hypotonic.
Meanings
Examples
The researcher noted that the hypotonicity led to significant swelling of the erythrocytes.
I wonder if increasing the solute concentration will counteract the hypotonicity.
Excessive hypotonicity in the extracellular environment can lead to cellular rupture.