Hypertonic Solution

Definition

A hypertonic solution is one that has a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside the cell. This causes water to move out of the cell, leading to shrinkage or crenation.

Related terms

Crenation: The shrinking of cells when they are exposed to a hypertonic solution.

Solvent: A substance, typically liquid, that dissolves another substance (solute) to form a solution.

Solute: The substance that gets dissolved in a solvent to form a solution.