osmose, n.
(ˈɒsməʊs, ˈɒz-)
[The common element of the words endosmose and exosmose, taken (by Graham, 1854) as a generalized term: cf. Gr. ὠσµός thrust, push.]
The tendency of fluids separated by porous septa to pass through these and mix with each other; the action of this passage and intermixture; diffusion through a porous septum or membrane.
| 1854 Graham in Phil. Trans. CXLIV. 181 With the same proportion (1 per cent.) of different substances, the osmose varied from 0 to 80 degrees... The fall may be spoken of as negative osmose, to distinguish it from the rise or positive osmose. 1855 Miller Elem. Chem. I. 73 When the liquid rises in the osmometer, Professor Graham distinguishes it as positive osmose. 1867 J. Hogg Microsc. ii. i. 257 An incessant mutual interchange of materials is going on between the fluid contents and matter external to the cell, by a process termed osmose or diffusion. 1875 Bennett & Dyer tr. Sachs' Bot. 605 The current of water in the woody substance which replaces the loss occasioned in the leaves by transpiration is not caused by osmose. |
Hence osˈmose v. intr., to pass by osmose.
| 1884 J. C. Cutter Comprehensive Physiol. viii. 153 Watery solutions usually osmose readily. |