- 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.
- 2the gradual process of learning or being influenced by something, as a result of being in close contact with it As if by osmosis, the facts became clear over a period of time.
NAmE//ɑzˈmɑt̮ɪk//, NAmE//ɑsˈmɑt̮ɪk//
adjective osmotic pressureSee osmosis in the Oxford Advanced Learner's DictionaryCheck pronunciation: osmosis