/ ɒzˈməʊsɪs; NAmE ɑːzˈmoʊ-/ noun [ U ]
1.
( biology or chemistry ) the gradual passing of a liquid through a membrane (= a thin layer of material) as a result of there being different amounts of dissolved substances on either side of the membrane :
Water passes into the roots of a plant by osmosis.
2.
the gradual process of learning or being influenced by sth, as a result of being in close contact with it
► os·mot·ic / ɒzˈmɒtɪk; NAmE ɑːzˈmɑːtɪk/ adjective :
osmotic pressure
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 19th cent.: Latinized form of earlier osmose , from Greek ōsmos a push.