Definition
The spontaneous movement of water or another solvent through a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration. In scientific contexts, it's a passive transport process that doesn't require energy; colloquially, it can mean absorbing knowledge through prolonged exposure without direct study.
Example Usage
I didn't study for the exam, but I picked up some information just through osmosis from listening to my roommate review.
Origin
From Greek 'osmos' meaning 'thrust' or 'push,' first formally described in the late 18th century.
Fun Fact
Osmosis is why salt-preserved meats lose moisture over time and why cells in pure water can swell up and burst.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
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