from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
hypertonic \hy`per*ton"ic\, n. [Pref. hyper- + tonic.]
(Physiology, Biochemistry)
Having a higher osmotic pressure than a comparison solution;
-- of an aqueous solution. Increasing the concentration of
dissolved solids increases the osmotic pressure, and thus the
tonicity of a solution. Opposite of {hypotonic} and
contrasting with {isotonic}. [WordNet sense 1]
[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)
2. Specifically: Having an osmotic pressure greater than that
of blood plasma, which is approximately that of a 0.2
normal solution of sodium chloride. Cells taken from a
medium of normal physiological osmolality and placed in a
hypertonic medium will shrink. [WordNet sense 1]
[PJC]
3. in a state of abnormally high tension; -- of muscle.
[WordNet sense 2]
Syn: pumped-up.
[WordNet 1.5]