How Do You Spell ISOTONIC?

Pronunciation: [ˌa͡ɪsətˈɒnɪk] (IPA)

Isotonic (aɪsəʊˈtɒnɪk) is a term used in physiology to describe a solution with the same osmotic pressure as another solution with which it is being compared. The word is derived from the Greek iso meaning "equal" and tonic meaning "strength." The pronunciation of isotonic uses the long "i" sound and the stress is on the second syllable. The "s" is followed by a long "o" sound and the "t" is pronounced separately from the "o." The final syllable has a short "i" sound followed by a hard "k."

ISOTONIC Meaning and Definition

  1. Isotonic is an adjective that encompasses multiple meanings across different fields such as physiology, physics, and chemistry. In the realm of physiology, isotonic refers to the state of bodily fluids, particularly in cells, that has osmotic pressure equal to that of another fluid or solution. In this context, an isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the fluid within the cells, creating a balanced environment and allowing for normal cell function.

    In relation to physics, isotonic implies the quality of muscle contraction or tension. It describes a muscle contraction in which the force exerted is equal to the resistance put on the muscle, resulting in constant muscle length. This enables the muscle to move a load or bone while maintaining equilibrium.

    In chemistry, the term isotonic is used to describe two solutions that have the same concentration of solutes. An isotonic solution allows for the exchange of substances through a semipermeable membrane without altering the osmotic pressure on either side.

    In summary, isotonic signifies a state of balance, equality, or equivalence between different substances, solutions, or forces. Whether referring to the fluid balance within cells, muscle contraction, or the concentration of solutes between solutions, isotonic indicates a state of equilibrium or compatibility.

  2. 1. Relating to isotonia. 2. Having equal tension, noting solutions possessing the same osmotic pressure. 3. In physiology, noting the condition of contraction of a muscle when one end is attached to a light weight which is lifted when the muscle shortens; opposed to isometric, which notes the condition when the two ends are fixed so that the effort of contraction does not shorten the muscle.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. In music, having or indicating equal tones.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ISOTONIC

Etymology of ISOTONIC

The word "isotonic" originated from the combination of two Greek words: "isos", meaning "equal", and "tonos", meaning "tension" or "tone". The Greek term "isotonos" was used to describe a condition in which the tension or tone of muscles remains the same despite the contraction or stretching of those muscles. Over time, this term was adopted into English and adapted to form the word "isotonic", which is now primarily used in the context of biology and physiology to refer to a solution that has the same osmotic pressure as another solution.

Similar spelling word for ISOTONIC

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: