Osmosis
Definition & Context
Noun
A word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects, such as living creatures, places, actions, qualities, states of existence, or ideas.
The process by which solvent molecules pass through a “semipermeable membrane” from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration, until equilibrium is reached on both sides of the membrane.
Synonyms & Variants
endosmosis
Endosmosis is a more specific terminological variant of osmosis, referring to the inward direction of solvent movement into a compartment with higher osmotic pressure.
difusi
Diffusion is a broader concept that does not require a membrane, whereas osmosis specifically involves a semipermeable membrane and the movement of solvent molecules.
permeasi
Permeation is a broader term encompassing various mechanisms of substance transfer through media, including but not limited to the osmotic process.
plasmolisis
Plasmolysis is a biological phenomenon that is a direct consequence of osmosis in plant cells, making the two causally related in the context of cell physiology.
tekanan osmotik
Osmotic pressure is not a direct synonym but a closely related concept frequently used alongside osmosis in scientific contexts to explain the driving force of the process.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word osmosis derives from the Greek osmos, meaning push or impulse, and osme, meaning a push or thrust. The term was first used scientifically by French physiologist Henri Dutrochet in the early 19th century to describe the movement of fluid across biological membranes. In English, it was adopted as osmosis and subsequently incorporated into Standard Indonesian without morphological alteration, following the convention for absorbing international scientific terminology. The concept is foundational in cell biology, physiology, chemistry, and food science. Metaphorically, the term is also employed in non-scientific contexts to describe the gradual and indirect absorption of information or cultural influence.
Real-world Usage
Proses osmosis berperan penting dalam penyerapan air oleh akar tanaman.
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
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