Osmotic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Osmotic refers to the movement of a solvent, like water, through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution to a more concentrated one, balancing solute levels on both sides.
Definition:
Relating to the movement of solvent molecules through a semipermeable membrane from low to high concentration.
Synonyms:
permeable, absorptive, diffusive
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
impermeable, nonporous
Common Collocations:
osmotic pressure, osmotic gradient, osmotic balance
Derivatives:
osmotically, osmosis
Usage Tips:
Use "osmotic" to describe processes involving passive liquid movement through membranes, like in biology or chemistry contexts.
Common Phrases:
osmotic shock, osmotic regulation, osmotic equilibrium
Etymology:
Derived from Greek "osmos" (push) and "-tic" (relating to), referring to liquid diffusion through membranes.
Examples:
- 1. The plant absorbs water through osmotic processes in its roots.
- 2. Osmotic pressure helps maintain cell stability in saline environments.
- 3. The doctor explained the patient’s condition using osmotic principles.
- 4. Fish regulate salt levels via osmotic mechanisms in their gills.