from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Isotonic \I`so*ton"ic\, a. [Iso- + tonic.]
1. Having or indicating, equal tones, or tension.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Physiology, Biochemistry) Having an osmotic pressure
(tonicity) equal to that of a reference solution; -- of
aqueous solutions. Contrasting with {hypotonic} and
{hypertonic}. See {hypertonic}.
[PJC]
A knowledge of the colligative properties of
solutions . . . is essential for one to understand
fully the principles involved in rendering
intravenous solutions isotonic with blood serum, or
opthalmic solutions isotonic with lachrymal fluid.
Solutions thus adjusted produce less shock and much
less irritation than those which are hypotonic or
hypertonic, and present-day practise recognizes the
desirability of making the necessary adjustments
whenever possible. --Cook &
Martin
(Remington's
Practice of
Pharmacy,
Tenth Ed.:
Mack Publ.,
Easton Pa.,
1951)
{Isotonic system} (Mus.), a system consisting of intervals,
in which each concord is alike tempered, and in which
there are twelve equal semitones.
[1913 Webster]