hypertrophy
hy-PUR-truh-fee
/haɪˈpɜːrtrəfi/
the enlargement of an organ or tissue from the increase in size of its cells.
In fitness, it specifically refers to muscle growth. It is different from 'hyperplasia', which is an increase in the number of cells.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'hyper' (meaning 'over' or 'beyond') and 'trophe' (nourishment). It suggests the tissue has been 'over-fed' or 'over-stimulated' into growing larger.
Word relationships
- enlargement: A general term, while hypertrophy is a specific biological process.
- growth: Very broad; hypertrophy is the specific increase in cell size.
- atrophy: The wasting away of tissue.
Commonly confused with
- hyperplasia: Hypertrophy is cells getting bigger; hyperplasia is getting more cells.
Word family
- hypertrophic (adjective): Relating to hypertrophy.
Collocations
- muscular hypertrophy
- ventricular hypertrophy
- hypertrophy training
Example sentences
- "To achieve maximum muscular hypertrophy, one must lift heavy weights with sufficient volume and recovery time." A bodybuilding guide.
- "Left ventricular hypertrophy is a condition where the heart's left pumping chamber becomes thickened and enlarged." A medical diagnosis.
Memory hook
Hyper (Extra) + Trophy (Growth). You get the trophy for extra growth. Cells getting bigger.
When not to use
Don't use it for general 'swelling' (edema) or 'bloating'.
Fun facts
- Muscle hypertrophy doesn't happen during the workout; it happens during sleep when the body repairs the micro-tears in the muscle fibers.
Explore more words
Growth, proliferation, atrophy, accretion, anabolism, physiology
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