hyperresponsive

adjective

hy·​per·​re·​spon·​sive ˌhī-pər-ri-ˈspän(t)-siv How to pronounce hyperresponsive (audio)
variants or hyper-responsive
: characterized by an abnormal degree of responsiveness (as to a physical or emotional stimulus)
The biochemical barrage, which would be helpful were it directed at a foreign invader, provokes sustained inflammation of the airway lining. And, perversely, it makes the tissue much more sensitive (or hyperresponsive) to the original trigger.Stephen Hoffmann
Studies … have shown a hyperresponsive amygdala and impaired inhibition from the prefrontal cortex during tasks involving exposure to facial expressions, reactions to emotionally charged words, and interpersonal cooperation.John G. Gunderson
hyperresponsiveness noun
or hyper-responsiveness
Measurements of airway hyperresponsiveness, although not sufficiently sensitive or specific to provide a definite diagnosis of asthma, are closely correlated with clinical assessments of the presence and severity of the disease. M. R. Sears et al.
hyperresponsivity noun
or hyper-responsivity
bronchial hyperresponsivity

Examples of hyperresponsive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In some cases, however, that process becomes hyperresponsive, and excess cytokines are released. Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2023 This sobering realization quickly spread from the sciences to the humanities, provoking reimagination of their disciplines to incorporate the Earth no longer as a passive and stable backcloth for the human adventure, but as an active, hyperresponsive and dangerous actor. Colin Waters, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hyperresponsive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperresponsive was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near hyperresponsive

Cite this Entry

“Hyperresponsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperresponsive. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

hyperresponsive

adjective
hy·​per·​re·​spon·​sive -ri-ˈspän(t)-siv How to pronounce hyperresponsive (audio)
: characterized by an abnormal degree of responsiveness (as to a physical or emotional stimulus)
… it makes the tissue much more sensitive (or hyperresponsive) to the original trigger.Stephen Hoffmann, The Harvard Medical School Health Letter
hyperresponsiveness noun
The presence of airway hyperresponsiveness to exercise suggests lack of control of asthma. Johnathan A. Leff et al., The New England Journal of Medicine
hyperresponsivity noun
plural hyperresponsivities
adrenocortical hyperresponsivity
hyperresponsivities to touch and sound
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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