Dictionary of Environmental Health
The process whereby a SOLVENT diffuses from a lower concentration solution, through a SEMI-PERMEABLE MEMBRANE to a higher concentration, thereby balancing the concentrations on either side.
The key component of osmosis is the semi-permeable membrane, so called because it will permit the passage of the solvent but not the passage of the substances dissolved in it. Over time the phenomenon of osmosis will (unless influenced by other factors) tend to ensure that the solutions on either side of the membrane are of equal concentrations.
See also: REVERSE OSMOSIS; TRANSPIRATION
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