Definition of OSMOSIS

osmosis

Plural: osmoses

Noun

  • (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
  • The net movement of solvent molecules, usually water, from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration through a partially permeable membrane.
  • Passive absorption or impartation of information, habits, etc.; the process of teaching or learning particular knowledge incidentally rather than consciously.

Examples

  • "I was reading about chickens, and I guess I learned about hawks through osmosis."

Origin / Etymology

From endosmose and exosmose, both coined by French physician Henri Dutrochet in 1826; from (respectively) Ancient Greek ἔνδον (éndon, “within”) and Ancient Greek ἔξω (éxō, “outer, external”), plus Ancient Greek ὠσμός (ōsmós, “push, impulsion”), from ὠθέω (ōthéō).

Scrabble Score: 9

osmosis is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
osmosis is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
osmosis is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 10

osmosis is a valid Words With Friends word