Meaning of the word osmosis in English

What does osmosis mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

osmosis

US /ɑːzˈmoʊ.sɪs/
UK /ɒzˈməʊ.sɪs/

Noun

1.

a 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

Example:
The plant absorbs water from the soil through osmosis.
Reverse osmosis is used to purify water.
2.

gradual, unconscious assimilation of ideas, knowledge, etc.

Example:
He learned French by osmosis, living in Paris for a year.
Children often learn social skills through osmosis from their parents.