os•mo•sisɒzˈmoʊ sɪs, ɒs-(n.)

1. the tendency of a fluid, usu. water, to pass through a semipermeable membrane into a solution where the solvent concentration is higher, thus equalizing the concentrations of materials on either side of the membrane. the diffusion of fluids through membranes or porous partitions.

   Category: Biochemistry, Chemistry

2. a subtle or gradual absorption:

   to learn by osmosis.

Origin of osmosis:

1865–70; Latinized form of now obs. osmose osmosis, extracted from endosmose endosmosis < F, =end-end - + Gk ōsm(ós) push, thrust + F -ose -osis

os•mot′i•cal•ly(adv.)