noun

hypertrophy

hy-PUR-truh-fee

Hypertrophy (noun) means an increase in the size of a tissue or organ caused by its cells growing larger rather than multiplying — in everyday use, the growth of muscle in response to training. Example: “The programme is built for hypertrophy rather than raw strength.”

noun

An increase in the size of a tissue or organ caused by its cells growing larger rather than multiplying — in everyday use, the growth of muscle in response to training.

"The programme is built for hypertrophy rather than raw strength."

"Untreated high blood pressure can lead to hypertrophy of the heart muscle."

formal Excessive or disproportionate growth of anything, used figuratively.

"A hypertrophy of middle management has slowed every decision."

verb

To grow larger through such an increase in cell size.

"The left ventricle had hypertrophied over several years."

How to use hypertrophy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGrowth that makes something bigger — usually muscle getting larger from training.

When to use it

Technical in medicine, but now everyday vocabulary in gym and fitness contexts.

Memory tip

Stress the second syllable: hy-PER-trophy, not HYPER-trophy, even though hyper is stressed on its own.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

atrophy → hyperplasia hypertension →

Common pairings

muscle hypertrophy hypertrophy training cardiac hypertrophy left ventricular hypertrophy

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Test yourself on “hypertrophy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The programme is built for _____ rather than raw strength.

Etymology

From Greek hyper-, over or excessive, and trophē, nourishment.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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enlargement growth muscle growth

Antonyms

atrophy wasting

Related words

development growing plant progress evolution wasting strengthen tumor

Rhymes for hypertrophy

trophy Brophy atrophy philosophy

See all rhymes for hypertrophy →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between hypertrophy and hyperplasia?

Hypertrophy means existing cells get bigger; hyperplasia means the number of cells increases. Skeletal muscle grows mainly through hypertrophy, which is why training makes fibres thicker rather than adding many new ones.

What is the difference between hypertrophy and strength training?

They overlap but aim at different results. Hypertrophy training favours moderate loads and higher repetition volume to maximise muscle size; strength training uses heavier loads and fewer repetitions to improve how much force you can produce. A stronger muscle is not always a visibly bigger one.

Is hypertrophy always healthy?

No. Muscle hypertrophy from exercise is normal and beneficial. Cardiac hypertrophy caused by high blood pressure or valve disease is pathological, because the thickened heart wall becomes stiff and pumps less efficiently.

What is the meaning of hypertrophy?

"hypertrophy" (noun) means an increase in the size of a tissue or organ caused by its cells growing larger rather than multiplying — in everyday use, the growth of muscle in response to training.

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