osmoregulation

American  

[oz-moh-reg-yuh-ley-shuhn, os-] / ˌɒz moʊˌrɛg yəˈleɪ ʃən, ˌɒs- /

noun

1. the process by which cells and simple organisms maintain fluid and electrolyte balance with their surroundings.

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osmoregulation British  

/ ˌɒzməʊˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. zoology the adjustment of the osmotic pressure of a cell or organism in relation to the surrounding fluid

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Etymology

Origin of osmoregulation

First recorded in 1930–35; osmo- + regulation

Example Sentences

"We thought that freshwater insects might be shifting so much of their energy toward osmoregulation in saltier environments that they cannot grow or thrive," Buchwalter says.

From Science Daily • Oct. 6, 2023

That way the animal doesn't have to work as hard to maintain osmoregulation.

From Science Daily • Oct. 6, 2023

While osmoregulation is achieved across membranes within the body, excess electrolytes and wastes are transported to the kidneys and excreted, helping to maintain osmotic balance.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The skin of bony fishes is often covered by overlapping scales, and glands in the skin secrete mucus that reduces drag when swimming and aids the fish in osmoregulation.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

I grabbed a yellow legal pad where Fred had recorded pages of notes on great white shark behavior, reproduction, and something called osmoregulation.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen