Osmotic: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'osmotic' comes from the Greek word 'osmos', meaning 'push' or 'thrust'.
• It was first used in the 19th century when scientists began studying how liquids move through membranes.
• The concept of osmosis was popularized following the discovery of cell membranes in biology.

Biology

• In plants, osmotic pressure is vital for maintaining turgidity, which helps them stay upright.
• Cells use osmosis to balance fluids, which is essential for processes like nutrient absorption and waste removal.
• Osmotic processes are crucial in kidney function, helping to keep the body’s mineral and water balance.

Chemistry

• The movement of water across membranes is a fundamental principle in chemistry known as 'osmotic potential'.
• Osmosis can cause solutions to reach isotonic states, where two solutions have equal concentrations.
• Researchers apply osmotic pressure in various chemical reactions to control the movement of substances.

Health and Medicine

• Osmotic agents are used in medicine, like certain laxatives that draw water into the intestines.
• In the treatment of dehydration, osmotic solutions are administered to restore fluid balance in the body.
• When administering medications intravenously, the osmotic balance is crucial to prevent cell damage.

Environmental Science

• Osmotic processes are key in desalination techniques that help obtain fresh water from seawater.
• Understanding osmotic dynamics aids in wastewater treatment, optimizing how pollutants are filtered.
• Osmotic pressure plays a role in both natural ecosystems and artificial environments like aquariums.

At position #13,514, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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