tonicity

noun

to·​nic·​i·​ty tō-ˈni-sə-tē How to pronounce tonicity (audio)
1
: the property of possessing tone
especially : healthy vigor of body or mind
2
: muscular tonus

Examples of tonicity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Regulation of Body Fluids Vasopressin is responsible for maintaining the normal balance of fluids around cells, referred to as tonicity. James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2024 By increasing permeability, vasopressin can return the tonicity of body fluids to normal. James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2024 That’s right—the key to losing inches off your waistline lies within a petite Parisian, fond of magenta lipstick and headbands, whose unique rémodelage technique is said to reshape silhouettes, reduce cellulite, boost tonicity, and release toxins. Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, 27 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tonicity.' 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

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tonicity was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near tonicity

Cite this Entry

“Tonicity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonicity. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

tonicity

noun
to·​nic·​i·​ty tō-ˈnis-ət-ē How to pronounce tonicity (audio)
plural tonicities
1
: the property of possessing tone
especially : healthy vigor of body or mind
2
3
: the osmotic pressure of a solution
the cells swell and shrink with changing tonicity of the environment

More from Merriam-Webster on tonicity

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