Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hypoosmotic

Adjective

hī-pō-äz-ˈmäst-ik

Definition

Having a lower osmotic pressure than a surrounding medium, typically resulting in the flow of water into cells.

Examples

When placed in a hypoosmotic solution, the red blood cells expanded and ultimately burst.
The scientist prepared a hypoosmotic environment to study cell behavior in varying concentrations.
In a hypoosmotic condition, the influx of water into the cell increases its volume.

Meaning

Hypoosmotic solutions cause cells to swell as water moves in due to the concentration gradient created by the lower osmotic pressure outside the cells.