isotonic

1 synonym and 3 antonyms for isotonic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adjective — Of a solution, having the same concentration of dissolved particles as the fluid it is compared with, usually blood or the inside of a cell, so that water does not move across the cell membrane in either direction.

Synonyms

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

isosmotic

Synonyms by Meaning

1. adjective

Of a solution, having the same concentration of dissolved particles as the fluid it is compared with, usually blood or the inside of a cell, so that water does not move across the cell membrane in either direction.

“Saline at 0.9 per cent is isotonic with human blood.”

isosmotic

Opposites

hypertonic hypotonic isometric

2. adjective

Of muscle contraction, occurring while the muscle changes length against a constant load, as in lifting a weight through a range of motion.

“Bicep curls are an isotonic exercise; a plank is isometric.”

Opposites

isometric

How to use isotonic

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

isotonic solution isotonic saline isotonic sports drink isotonic contraction

Technical, used in biology, medicine and sports science, plus drink marketing.

Etymology

From Greek isos 'equal' plus tonos 'tension, tone'.

Full origin of isotonic →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic?

The three describe a solution compared with the fluid inside a cell. Isotonic has the same particle concentration, so the cell stays as it is; hypotonic is more dilute, so water flows in and the cell swells; hypertonic is more concentrated, so water flows out and the cell shrinks.

What is the difference between isotonic and isometric exercise?

Isotonic exercise moves a joint through a range while the muscle shortens or lengthens under a steady load, like a squat or a press. Isometric exercise holds a fixed position with no change in muscle length, like a wall sit or a plank.

Are isotonic drinks better than water?

For everyday activity and sessions under about an hour, water is generally enough. Isotonic drinks are aimed at longer or hotter efforts, where the added sodium and carbohydrate help with fluid absorption and energy.

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hypertonic hypotonic isometric

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