# hypertrophy

/ˈhaɪpɝˌtɹoʊfi/ (US) · /hˈaɪpətɹəfi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hypertrophy
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

the process of a body part or muscle growing larger and stronger. This usually happens because the part is used a lot or has a medical condition.

For teachers: the abnormal increase in the size of an organ or tissue, typically due to the enlargement of its cells. Often used in medical contexts to describe muscle growth or pathological enlargement.

## Examples

- Weightlifting leads to muscle hypertrophy over time.
- The doctor noted that the patient's heart showed signs of hypertrophy due to long-term high blood pressure.
- While physiological hypertrophy is a common response to resistance training, pathological hypertrophy often indicates an underlying condition that requires immediate clinical intervention to prevent further organ damage.

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