Definition

Noun: 1. (Biology, Chemistry) The process by which molecules of a solvent (typically water) pass through a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration into a region of higher solute concentration, equalizing the concentrations on both sides. This is a fundamental physical process in living organisms and chemical systems. 2. (Figurative) A gradual, often unconscious, process of assimilation or absorption of ideas, knowledge, or influences. This meaning derives from the slow, passive nature of the biological process.

Usage

• The primary use is in scientific contexts (biology, chemistry, physics) to describe a specific type of passive transport.
• The figurative use is common in general language to describe learning or cultural influence that happens without direct, formal instruction.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • Water enters the root hairs of a plant by osmosis.
  • In the kidney, osmosis helps to concentrate urine.
  • The experiment demonstrated the principles of osmosis using a dialysis tube.
• Figurative Context:
  • She learned the language by osmosis, just from living in the country.
  • A sense of calm seemed to reach him by a kind of osmosis from the peaceful surroundings.

Advanced Usage

• Reverse Osmosis: A process that applies pressure to force a solvent (like water) through a semipermeable membrane in the opposite direction of natural osmosis, used for purification (e.g., desalination, water filtration).
  • The factory uses reverse osmosis to produce clean drinking water from seawater.

Variants and Related Words

• Osmotic (adjective): Relating to or involving osmosis.
  • The cell experienced osmotic pressure.
• Osmotically (adverb): In an osmotic manner.
  • Water moved osmotically into the concentrated solution.

Synonyms

• (Scientific) Diffusion, permeation.
• (Figurative) Absorption, assimilation, unconscious learning.

Idioms and Phrases

• By osmosis: (Idiomatic) Used to describe acquiring something (knowledge, a skill, a trait) unconsciously or effortlessly through prolonged exposure.
  • He didn't study marketing formally; he just picked it up by osmosis while working at the agency.

Noun

1. (biology, chemistry) diffusion of molecules through a semipermeable membrane from a place of higher concentration to a place of lower concentration until the concentration on both sides is equal