osmotically

Via selective diffusion

Osmotically describes something happening through or by means of osmosis—the movement of water or other solvents through a membrane from areas of lower concentration to higher.

The term appears in scientific contexts: Nutrients are absorbed osmotically through cell walls.

Figuratively, it suggests gradual, almost passive absorption: She seemed to learn languages osmotically, just by living abroad.

gradient

concentration

Sustained single-minded attention

soluteSubstance absorbed by solvent
solventDissolving liquid or financially stable
equilibriumState of balance

isotonic · hypertonic · hypotonic · tonicity · molarity · pressure · differential · equalization · movement · flow

cellular

membrane

Thin tissue sheet

semipermeableAllowing partial passage
diffusionPassive molecular spreading
cellsBasic biological units

aquaporin · turgor · cytoplasm · permeability · transport · selective · absorption · uptake · passage · penetration

physiological

homeostasis

Biological internal stability maintenance

osmoregulationMaintaining internal solute balance
hydrationBodily fluid replenishment
electrolytesConducting ions in solution

filtration · absorption · excretion · kidneys · renal · dehydration · swelling · shrinkage · regulation · balance

Opposites

transport mechanism

osmoticallyactively

With purposeful engagement

mechanically · forcibly · abruptly · directly · artificially

process directionality

osmoticallyuphill

Toward higher elevation

forcibly · mechanically · artificially

Family

osmosis, osmotic

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Rated G