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Webster 1913 Edition
osmosis
os-mo′sis
(ŏz-mō′sĭs)
, Noun.
[NL., fr. Gr.
ὠσμός
, equiv. to ὦσισ
impulse, fr. ὠθεῖν
to push.] (Chemical Physics)
(a)
The tendency in fluids to mix, or become equably diffused, when in contact. It was first observed between fluids of differing densities, and as taking place through a membrane or an intervening porous structure. An older term for the phenomenon was
Osmose
. The more rapid flow from the thinner to the thicker fluid was then called
endosmosis
(formerly endosmose
), and the opposite, slower current, exosmosis
(formerly exosmose
). Both are, however, results of the same force. Osmosis may be regarded as a form of molecular attraction, allied to that of adhesion. See also osmotic pressure
. (b)
The action produced by this tendency.
Definition 2024
osmosis
osmosis
See also: ósmosis
English
Noun
osmosis (plural osmoses)
- The net movement of solvent molecules, usually water, from a region of high solvent potential to a region of lower solvent potential through a partially permeable membrane
- (slang) Picking up knowledge accidentally, without actually seeking that particular knowledge.
- I was reading about chickens, and I guess I learned about hawks through osmosis.
- 1999, Neil Gaiman, Stardust, pages 36-37 (2001 Perennial paperback edition)
- At age fourteen, by a process of osmosis, of dirty jokes, whispered secrets and filthy ballads, Tristram learned of sex.
Related terms
Derived terms
Translations
movement of molecules
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