Is osmosis only used in science?

Mostly yes, but people also use it in everyday speech in a figurative way.

What is the difference between osmosis and diffusion?

Diffusion is general spreading. Osmosis is water moving through a membrane.

Can I say I learned English by osmosis?

Yes. It means you learned it naturally by being around it a lot.

← Dictionary

osmosis

/ɒzˈməʊ.sɪs/

IELTSAcademic

noun

1.
The movement of water through a thin membrane from a less concentrated solution to a more concentrated one. It happens naturally, without extra energy.
- Water moves by osmosis through the membrane.
- Plant roots take in water by osmosis.
2.
The way people learn ideas, habits, or feelings slowly by being around others. This use is often informal or figurative.
- I learned the office style by osmosis.
- She picked up English by osmosis.

Adinary Nuance

Osmosis is more specific than diffusion. Diffusion means particles spread out, while osmosis is only about water moving through a membrane. It is also different from absorption, which means a substance is taken in and kept, not simply passing through.

In other languages

Vietnamese: thẩm thấu
Spanish: ósmosis
Chinese: 渗透
Japanese: 浸透
Korean: 삼투

Etymology

Osmosis came into English in the 1800s from French osmose, based on Greek ōsmos, meaning “a push” or “a thrust.” The scientific word was first used in chemistry and biology.

Common phrases

by osmosisosmosis of waterlearn by osmosis

Synonyms

permeation seepage

Frequently asked questions

Is osmosis only used in science?: Mostly yes, but people also use it in everyday speech in a figurative way.
What is the difference between osmosis and diffusion?: Diffusion is general spreading. Osmosis is water moving through a membrane.
Can I say I learned English by osmosis?: Yes. It means you learned it naturally by being around it a lot.