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2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:

osmosis \os*mo"sis\ ([o^]z*m[=o]"s[i^]s), noun [NL., fr. Gr. 'wsmo's, equiv. to 'w^sis impulse, fr. 'wqei^n to push.] (Chemical Physics) (a) The tendency in fluids to mix, or become equably diffused, when in contact. It was first observed between fluids of differing densities, and as taking place through a membrane or an intervening porous structure. An older term for the phenomenon was {Osmose}.

Note: The more rapid flow from the thinner to the thicker fluid was then called {endosmosis} (formerly {endosmose}), and the opposite, slower current, {exosmosis} (formerly {exosmose}). Both are, however, results of the same force. Osmosis may be regarded as a form of molecular attraction, allied to that of adhesion. See also {osmotic pressure}. (b) The action produced by this tendency.

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:

Endosmose \En"dos*mose'\, Endosmosis \En'dos*mo"sis\, noun [NL. endosmosis, fr. Gr. 'e'ndon within + ? a thrusting, impulsion, fr. ? to push: cf. F. endosmose.] (Physics) The transmission of a fluid or gas from without inward in the phenomena, or by the process, of osmose.
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