os·mo·sis ( z-m  s s, s-)n. pl. os·mo·ses (-s  z) 1. a. 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. b. 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. [From obsolete osmose, from earlier endosmose, from French : Greek endo-, endo- + Greek smos, thrust, push (from thein, to push).]os·mot ic (-mtk) adj.os·mot i·cal·ly adv. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adj. | 1. | osmotic - of or relating to osmosis; "osmotic pressure" |
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