osmosis
English meaning: Osmosis
English Definition
(English)Osmosis is driven by the osmotic pressure difference across a membrane — water molecules move to dilute the more concentrated solution. It is fundamental to how plant roots absorb water, how kidneys concentrate urine, and how IV drips are formulated. Reverse osmosis (applying pressure against osmotic flow) is used in water desalination and filtration.
English Definition
The movement of a solvent (usually water) through a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration, tending to equalise concentrations on both sides. Osmosis is essential to cell biology, kidney function, and plant water uptake.
Example
“Plant roots absorb water from soil through osmosis — water moves from the dilute soil solution into the more concentrated root cells across the cell membrane.”
In English: “Osmosis drives water absorption in plant roots, moving water from soil into root cells.”
Synonyms
- diffusion
- membrane transport
Antonyms / Opposites
- active transport
- reverse osmosis
Literary Heritage
“To see a World in a Grain of Sand, and a Heaven in a Wild Flower, hold Infinity in the palm of your hand, and Eternity in an hour.”
“To see a World in a Grain of Sand, and a Heaven in a Wild Flower, hold Infinity in the palm of your hand, and Eternity in an hour.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B