What does "crenate" mean in the context of cells?

In the context of cells, "crenate" specifically refers to the process where a cell shrinks or shrivels, which typically occurs when it is placed in a hypertonic solution. When a cell is in such an environment, water moves out of the cell in an attempt to balance solute concentrations, leading to the characteristic scalloped or notched appearance of the cell membrane. This process is a response to osmotic pressure changes and is vital for understanding how cells interact with their environment, especially concerning water movement and solute concentration. Crenation can have significant effects on cell function and health, emphasizing the importance of osmotic balance in biological systems.