1.
Osmosis is the process by which a liquid passes through a thin piece of solid substance such as the roots of a plant. (TECHNICAL)
...the processes of diffusion and ~.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
If you say that people influence each other by ~, or that skills are gained by ~, you mean that this is done gradually and without any obvious effort. (FORMAL)
She allowed her life to be absorbed by his, taking on as if by ~ his likes and dislikes.
N-UNCOUNT: usu by/through N