BACK TO osmosis

osmosis vs. reverse osmosis

osmosis

[ oz-moh-sis, os- ]
noun
  1. Physical Chemistry, Cell Biology.
    1. the tendency of a fluid, usually water, to pass through a semipermeable membrane into a solution where the solvent concentration is higher, thus equalizing the concentrations of materials on either side of the membrane.
    2. the diffusion of fluids through membranes or porous partitions.
  2. a subtle or gradual absorption or mingling: He never studies but seems to learn by osmosis.

reverse osmosis

noun
  1. the process in which pure water is produced by forcing waste or saline water through a semipermeable membrane.