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  • Word comparison: osmosis vs. reverse osmosis

osmosis vs. reverse osmosis

osmosis

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. Compare endosmosis, exosmosis.
  2. a subtle or gradual absorption or mingling:

    He never studies but seems to learn by osmosis.

reverse osmosis

noun

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