osmosis
Meaning: The movement of water or another solvent through a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to one of higher concentration; figuratively, the gradual absorption of knowledge or ideas.
Osmosis is a fundamental biological process that maintains water balance in cells. Reverse osmosis, which forces water through a membrane in the opposite direction, is widely used in water purification. The figurative use — learning 'by osmosis' — suggests absorbing information passively, without deliberate study, simply by being surrounded by it.
Examples
- Plant roots absorb water from the soil through the process of osmosis. 植物根部通过渗透作用从土壤中吸收水分。Las raíces de las plantas absorben agua del suelo mediante el proceso de ósmosis.植物の根は浸透のプロセスを通じて土壌から水分を吸収する。식물의 뿌리는 삼투 과정을 통해 토양에서 수분을 흡수한다.
- The desalination plant uses reverse osmosis to convert seawater into drinking water. 该海水淡化厂使用反渗透技术将海水转化为饮用水。La planta desalinizadora utiliza ósmosis inversa para convertir el agua de mar en agua potable.その淡水化プラントは逆浸透を利用して海水を飲料水に変える。그 담수화 시설은 역삼투를 이용하여 해수를 식수로 전환한다.
- Growing up in a bilingual household, she seemed to learn both languages by osmosis. 她在双语家庭中长大,似乎是通过自然浸润学会了两种语言。Al crecer en un hogar bilingüe, parecía haber aprendido ambos idiomas por ósmosis.二言語家庭で育った彼女は、自然な浸透で両方の言語を身につけたようだった。이중언어 가정에서 자란 그녀는 자연스러운 삼투로 두 가지 언어를 모두 익힌 것 같았다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek osmos (a push, thrust), from othein (to push). Coined in 1854 by the Scottish chemist Thomas Graham to describe the passage of solvents through membranes.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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