Osmosis

/ɒzˈmoʊsɪs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The diffusion of fluids through a membrane in living organisms.
In the human body, osmosis is vital for maintaining cell turgor pressure and nutrient absorption.
The phenomenon in which something is transferred or acquired indirectly or subtly.
The team's collaborative environment promoted the osmosis of innovative ideas among members.
The process by which molecules of a solvent tend to pass through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution into a more concentrated one, thus equalizing the concentrations on the two sides of the membrane.
Plants absorb water from the soil through osmosis, enabling them to thrive.
The process of gradual or unconscious assimilation of ideas, knowledge, or information.
Children often learn languages through osmosis, picking up vocabulary by being surrounded by fluent speakers.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'osmōsis', meaning 'push' or 'pressure'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

social osmosis
The process by which individuals absorb cultural norms and values from their environment.
osmosis effect
The influence of one thing on another through gradual exposure.
osmosis of knowledge
The unintentional learning or assimilation of information from one's surroundings.

Related Words

diffusion
The process of spreading something more widely, often referring to substances moving from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower concentration.
semi-permeable
Referring to a membrane that allows certain substances to pass through but not others.

Slang Meanings

To learn something passively without effort.
I didn’t study for the test, I just picked up the info through osmosis in class.
To absorb cultural trends or knowledge naturally.
Living in the city, I’m just osmosising all the cool art and music vibes.