ScienceJuly 17, 2026
osmosis
/ɒzˈmoʊsɪs/
Definition
The process by which water moves across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration to equalize balance.
Etymology
The word originates from the Greek 'ōsmos,' meaning 'a push' or 'impulse,' and was coined in the mid-19th century. It entered modern science to describe the 'pushing' force of fluid movement across a membrane.
In the news
The word is used in the context of a lab experiment where students observe how eggs change mass when placed in different solutions. It illustrates the biological mechanism by which cells regulate the movement of substances across their membranes.
7th Grade Science Teaching Guide: Activities and Standards
Read the full article ↗Discovery Education