Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to: navigation, search


Wikipedia has an article on:



osmosis (plural osmoses)

  1. The net movement of solvent molecules from a region of high solvent potential to a region of lower solvent potential through a partially permeable membrane
  2. (slang) Picking up knowledge accidentally, without actually seeking that particular knowledge.
    I was reading about chickens, and I guess I learned about hawks through osmosis.
    • 1999, Neil Gaiman, Stardust, pages 36-37 (2001 Perennial paperback edition)
      At age fourteen, by a process of osmosis, of dirty jokes, whispered secrets and filthy ballads, Tristram learned of sex.

Related terms[edit]

Derived terms[edit]