Definition of osmosis

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< osmose

osmotic pressure >

os·mo·sis    (z-mss, s-) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. os·mo·ses  (-sz) KEY 

1. 1. Diffusion of fluid through a semipermeable membrane from a solution with a low solute concentration to a solution with a higher solute concentration until there is an equal concentration of fluid on both sides of the membrane.
   2. The tendency of fluids to diffuse in such a manner.
2. A gradual, often unconscious process of assimilation or absorption: learned French by osmosis while residing in Paris for 15 years.

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ETYMOLOGY:
From obsolete osmose, from earlier endosmose, from French : Greek endo-, endo- + Greek smos, thrust, push (from thein, to push)

OTHER FORMS:
os·motic  (-mtk) KEY (Adjective), os·moti·cal·ly(Adverb)