Isotonic

/ˌaɪsəʊˈtɑːnɪk/
adjective

Refers to two or more solutions that have the same pressure across a semipermeable membrane.

The water and the cells are isotonic, which means they have the same concentration.
Visual representation of "isotonic" - Refers to two or more solutions that have the same pressure across a semipermeable membrane.

Often appears as...

  • isotonic solution
  • isotonic environments

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

adjective

Relates to a muscle contraction in which tension is constant while muscle length varies.

When lifting a weight, your muscles perform an isotonic contraction.
Visual representation of "isotonic" - Relates to a muscle contraction in which tension is constant while muscle length varies.

Often appears as...

  • isotonic exercise
  • isotonic contraction

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

adjective

Describes a drink that rehydrates the body and replaces the salts lost through sweat.

After a long run, he drank an isotonic beverage to replenish his fluids.
Visual representation of "isotonic" - Describes a drink that rehydrates the body and replaces the salts lost through sweat.

Often appears as...

  • isotonic drink
  • isotonic sports drink
adjective

Refers to two or more solutions that have the same pressure across a semipermeable membrane.

The water and the cells are isotonic, which means they have the same concentration.
Visual representation of "isotonic" - Refers to two or more solutions that have the same pressure across a semipermeable membrane.

Often appears as...

  • isotonic solution
  • isotonic environments

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

adjective

Relates to a muscle contraction in which tension is constant while muscle length varies.

When lifting a weight, your muscles perform an isotonic contraction.
Visual representation of "isotonic" - Relates to a muscle contraction in which tension is constant while muscle length varies.

Often appears as...

  • isotonic exercise
  • isotonic contraction

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

adjective

Describes a drink that rehydrates the body and replaces the salts lost through sweat.

After a long run, he drank an isotonic beverage to replenish his fluids.
Visual representation of "isotonic" - Describes a drink that rehydrates the body and replaces the salts lost through sweat.

Often appears as...

  • isotonic drink
  • isotonic sports drink
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "isotonic"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Semipermeable Relevance

Understand that 'isotonic' involves a membrane that lets some things pass through, which is key in biology and chemistry.

Illustration for Semipermeable Relevance
I learned that blood and saline are isotonic, enabling safe IV infusions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Pressure Equilibrium

'Isotonic' signifies equal pressure, which prevents cells from swelling or shrinking.

Illustration for Pressure Equilibrium
The lab technician explained how the isotonic solution prevents red blood cells from bursting.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Energy Related

Don't confuse 'isotonic' with 'isotopic'; isotonic doesn't refer to energy or isotopes.

Illustration for Not Energy Related
Her confusion with 'isotonic' and 'isotopic' led to a mix-up in the science report.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Semipermeable Relevance

Understand that 'isotonic' involves a membrane that lets some things pass through, which is key in biology and chemistry.

Illustration for Semipermeable Relevance
I learned that blood and saline are isotonic, enabling safe IV infusions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Pressure Equilibrium

'Isotonic' signifies equal pressure, which prevents cells from swelling or shrinking.

Illustration for Pressure Equilibrium
The lab technician explained how the isotonic solution prevents red blood cells from bursting.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Energy Related

Don't confuse 'isotonic' with 'isotopic'; isotonic doesn't refer to energy or isotopes.

Illustration for Not Energy Related
Her confusion with 'isotonic' and 'isotopic' led to a mix-up in the science report.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Semipermeable Relevance

Understand that 'isotonic' involves a membrane that lets some things pass through, which is key in biology and chemistry.

Illustration for Semipermeable Relevance
I learned that blood and saline are isotonic, enabling safe IV infusions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Pressure Equilibrium

'Isotonic' signifies equal pressure, which prevents cells from swelling or shrinking.

Illustration for Pressure Equilibrium
The lab technician explained how the isotonic solution prevents red blood cells from bursting.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Energy Related

Don't confuse 'isotonic' with 'isotopic'; isotonic doesn't refer to energy or isotopes.

Illustration for Not Energy Related
Her confusion with 'isotonic' and 'isotopic' led to a mix-up in the science report.
Visual representation of the word "Isotonic"

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Quote examples

James May

English Journalist

The bicycle might just be the greatest of all inventions. It empowers the human machine, and with no input beyond perhaps a trendy isotonic health drink in a brightly coloured bottle at an inflated price.
Portrait of James May

Quote examples

James May

English Journalist

The bicycle might just be the greatest of all inventions. It empowers the human machine, and with no input beyond perhaps a trendy isotonic health drink in a brightly coloured bottle at an inflated price.
Portrait of James May
Example 1 of 1
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