hypertonic
adjective
hy·per·ton·ic
ˌhī-pər-ˈtä-nik 
1
: exhibiting excessive tone or tension
a hypertonic baby
a hypertonic bladder
2
: having a higher osmotic pressure than a surrounding medium or a fluid under comparison
Examples of hypertonic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Use Hypertonic Saline Drops as Needed Even when prepared correctly, hypertonic nasal drops or sprays can irritate the nose and throat.
—
Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2025
For example, people who overproduce mucus in response to dirty air may be helped by inhaling hypertonic saline solution.
—Linda Carroll, TIME, 30 May 2024
Also referred to as a hypertonic or hyperactive pelvic floor, this describes a state where the muscles in your pelvis hold too much tension and are unable to relax.
—Sarah Graham, refinery29.com, 21 May 2021
Sinus rinses like neti pots can help wash out mucus, especially when people use hypertonic saline, Dass said.
—Slone Terranella, Detroit Free Press, 19 Apr. 2021
The good news is that hypertonic saline injections seem to work.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 21 July 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2025
For example, people who overproduce mucus in response to dirty air may be helped by inhaling hypertonic saline solution.
—Linda Carroll, TIME, 30 May 2024
Also referred to as a hypertonic or hyperactive pelvic floor, this describes a state where the muscles in your pelvis hold too much tension and are unable to relax.
—Sarah Graham, refinery29.com, 21 May 2021
Sinus rinses like neti pots can help wash out mucus, especially when people use hypertonic saline, Dass said.
—Slone Terranella, Detroit Free Press, 19 Apr. 2021
The good news is that hypertonic saline injections seem to work.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 21 July 2020
Cite this Entry
“Hypertonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypertonic. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
hypertonic
adjective
hy·per·ton·ic
-ˈtän-ik
1
: exhibiting excessive tone or tension
a hypertonic baby
a hypertonic bladder
2
: having a higher osmotic pressure than a surrounding medium or a fluid under comparison
animals that produce urine which is hypertonic to their blood
compare hypotonic sense 2, isotonic sense 1
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share