osmosis vs. reverse osmosis

Physical Chemistry, Cell Biology.

1. the tendency of a fluid, usually water, to pass through a semipermeable membrane into a solution where the solvent concentration is higher, thus equalizing the concentrations of materials on either side of the membrane.

2. the diffusion of fluids through membranes or porous partitions.

a subtle or gradual absorption or mingling.

He never studies but seems to learn by osmosis.