reverse osmosis

noun

: the movement of fresh water through a semipermeable membrane when pressure is applied to a solution (such as seawater) on one side of it

Examples of reverse osmosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s accomplished by reverse osmosis, consuming about 30 percent less energy compared to traditional systems. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Rice University and Vanderbilt University developed this single-step approach, which provides an efficient alternative to existing methods like reverse osmosis or chemical precipitation. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026

The best water purifier for traveling abroad is often a reverse osmosis filter, which removes bacteria, viruses and even salt. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026

According to Bapple, water begins in reverse osmosis tanks and is transported to the top of the growing stacks. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reverse osmosis

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• hemochromatosis
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• osteonecrosis