semipermeable
[ sem-ee-pur-mee-uh-buh l, sem-ahy- ]
/ ˌsɛm iˈpɜr mi ə bəl, ˌsɛm aɪ- /
|
adjective
permeable only to certain small molecules: a semipermeable membrane.
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Nearby words
- semipalmate,
- semipalmated plover,
- semipalmated sandpiper,
- semiparasitic,
- semipermanent,
- semiplastic,
- semipolar bond,
- semipolitical,
- semiporcelain,
- semipostal
Origin of semipermeable
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for semi-permeable
The term "osmotic membrane" should therefore in all cases replace that of "semi-permeable membrane."
The Mechanism of Life|Stphane Leduc
semipermeable
/ (ˌsɛmɪˈpɜːmɪəbəl) /
adjective
(esp of a cell membrane) selectively permeable
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
semi-permeable
1873, from semi- + permeable. Translating German halbdurchlässig.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
semipermeable
[ sĕm′ē-pûr′mē-ə-bəl, sĕm′ī- ]
adj.
Partially permeable.
Allowing passage of certain, especially small, molecules or ions but acting as a barrier to others. Used of biological and synthetic membranes.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.