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osmosis

noun

/ɒzˈməʊsɪs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of osmosis

The movement of solvent molecules across a permeable membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration.
"The process of osmosis plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of fluids in the body."

Detailed meaning of osmosis

This movement of molecules is driven by a concentration gradient and does not require the input of external energy. Osmosis is an essential process in living organisms, as it is responsible for the regulation of fluids and electrolytes across cellular membranes. For example, in the human body, osmosis helps maintain the balance of water and ions between the intracellular and extracellular environments. In addition, osmosis is a key mechanism in processes such as nutrient absorption in the digestive system and water uptake in plants. The concept of osmosis has important applications in fields such as biotechnology, chemistry, and environmental science, and is widely studied in the scientific community.

Example sentences containing osmosis

1. Water molecules move through cell membranes via osmosis.
2. Osmosis is vital for maintaining proper cell hydration.
3. The kidneys filter blood using the principle of osmosis.
4. Reverse osmosis is a common method for water purification.
5. Understanding osmosis is fundamental in biology and chemistry.
6. Plants rely on osmosis to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

History and etymology of osmosis

The noun 'osmosis' has its etymological origins in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word 'osmos,' which means 'thrust' or 'impulse.' The term 'osmosis' was coined in the 19th century by a British chemist named Thomas Graham to describe the phenomenon of the movement of solvent molecules through a semipermeable membrane from an area of higher solute concentration to an area of lower solute concentration. This term was chosen because it conveys the idea of a subtle, almost imperceptible force or impulse driving the movement of molecules. The etymology of 'osmosis' underscores the concept of this gradual and passive process by which solvent molecules equalize concentrations, playing a fundamental role in various biological and chemical processes.

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Further usage examples of osmosis

1. Osmosis explains the movement of solutes in and out of cells.
2. The rate of osmosis can be influenced by temperature.
3. Osmosis plays a crucial role in chemical reactions and industrial processes.
4. Cellular osmosis helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.
5. Osmosis is utilized in medical research and drug delivery systems.
6. Osmosis is responsible for food preservation and spoilage.
7. Pressure differentials impact the speed of osmosis.
8. The cell membrane's selective permeability controls osmosis.
9. Osmosis is a central concept in understanding osmotic pressure.
10. The process of osmosis is driven by concentration gradients.
11. Osmosis is essential for plant transpiration and nutrient uptake.
12. Osmosis of gas molecules can be slow and diffusion-driven.
13. Dialysis machines employ the principles of osmosis to filter blood.
14. Osmosis is a dynamic force governing various biological and chemical phenomena.
15. The process of osmosis allows plants to absorb water from the soil.
16. The student understood the concept of osmosis through the hands-on experiment.
17. The membrane's ability to allow osmosis is crucial for the cell's survival.
18. The water filter uses osmosis to purify water.
19. The process of osmosis occurs naturally in the human body to regulate hydration levels.
20. The concept of osmosis was difficult to grasp for some students.
21. The experiment demonstrated the process of osmosis in action.
22. The study of osmosis is an important aspect of biology.
23. The mechanism of osmosis is crucial for the proper functioning of the kidneys.
24. The osmosis membrane is selectively permeable, allowing certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.
25. The understanding of osmosis is important for understanding the functioning of cells and organisms.