hypertrophy

/haɪˈpɜːrtrəfi/
noun
  1. An increase in the size of an organ or tissue due to the enlargement of its cells, often from exercise or overuse.
    • The doctor explained that the patient's heart hypertrophy was caused by high blood pressure.
    • Regular resistance training leads to hypertrophy of the skeletal muscles.
    • Weightlifting can cause muscle hypertrophy, making your arms and legs bigger.
  2. Excessive growth or development of something, often in a way that is unhealthy or unnatural.
    • The city's rapid hypertrophy led to overcrowding and traffic problems.
    • The hypertrophy of the company's marketing department left other teams understaffed.
    • Some critics argue that the hypertrophy of the tech industry has hurt small businesses.
verb
  1. To undergo an increase in size due to cell enlargement, especially as a result of exercise or overuse.
    • The heart can hypertrophy in response to chronic high blood pressure.
    • Plants may hypertrophy in areas with abundant nutrients.
    • Your muscles hypertrophy when you consistently lift heavy weights.
  2. To grow or develop excessively, often in a way that is unhealthy or unbalanced.
    • His ego hypertrophied after he became famous, making him difficult to work with.
    • When one part of the economy hypertrophies, other sectors can suffer.
    • The bureaucracy hypertrophied over the years, slowing down decision-making.