hipertrofia
Lemma Details
Translation: hypertrophy; enlargement; overgrowth
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Greek 'hyper' (over, excessive) + 'trophē' (nourishment, growth). The term entered medical vocabulary in the 19th century to describe abnormal enlargement of an organ or tissue due to an increase in the size of its cells. The English cognate 'hypertrophy' follows the same Greek roots and is used in identical medical contexts.
Commonality: 30%
Guessability: 80%
Register: medical
Example Usage
El paciente fue diagnosticado con hipertrofia ventricular izquierda.
The patient was diagnosed with left ventricular hypertrophy.
Los ejercicios de resistencia promueven la hipertrofia muscular.
Resistance exercises promote muscle hypertrophy.
La hipertrofia prostática es común en hombres mayores.
Prostatic hypertrophy is common in older men.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'hiper' (hyper/excessive) + 'trofia' (growth) = excessive growth
- Remember that bodybuilders seek muscle 'hipertrofia' through weight training
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Primarily used in medical contexts, though it has entered general vocabulary especially in sports and fitness discussions regarding muscle growth. In Spanish-speaking countries, the term is commonly encountered in cardiology regarding heart conditions and in sports medicine.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While hipertrofia refers to an increase in cell size, hiperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells.
Notes: Both are medical terms describing tissue growth but through different cellular mechanisms.
Mnemonic: Hipertrofia = bigger cells (tro = grow), Hiperplasia = more cells (pla = multiply)
Explanation: Hipertrofia is abnormal growth or enlargement, while distrofia refers to degeneration or impaired development of tissues.
Notes: Both terms are used in medical contexts but describe opposite processes: one is excessive growth, the other is degeneration.
Mnemonic: Hipertrofia = hyper (excessive) growth, distrofia = dis (bad) growth