hypertrophy

[Pref. hyper-, and Greek trop he nourishment.] 1. Zool ., Phys ., Path .: Exce ive development of the body or any of its organs from over-nutrition. The most dangerous hypertrophy in man is that of the heart. There are three forms of it, simple hypertrophy, eccentric hypertrophy, or hypertrophy with dilatation, and the congenital malformation of concentric hypertrophy. 2. Bot . The exce ive development of one part of a plant to the detriment of another. The horticulturist often does this intentionally to gain an important object.