osmotic

adjective

os·​mot·​ic äz-ˈmä-tik How to pronounce osmotic (audio)
äs-
: of, relating to, caused by, or having the properties of osmosis
osmotically adverb

Examples of osmotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But there is so much else on the innovation horizon: osmotic energy, geothermal, nuclear fusion, autonomous farming, photonic computing, human longevity. Andy Kessler, WSJ, 31 Dec. 2023 Form There are four main types of laxatives for kids: stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, lubricant laxatives, and stimulant laxatives. Jenny Friedman, Ms, Parents, 3 Aug. 2023 Taking multiple type of laxatives or using osmotic laxatives specifically were linked to an even higher risk. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Health, 9 Mar. 2023 Or at least that’s how she’s remembered by most people today, whether that memory is conceived by youthful osmotic consumption or through short-hand cureference, like that one scene in 30 Rock. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2021 The solution is what’s called an osmotic pump, a plastic capsule the size of a pencil eraser, surgically implanted just under the abdominal skin, that’s designed to leak synthetic THC at a steady rate for 28 days. David H. Freedman, Discover Magazine, 7 Feb. 2020 These must be rinsed, but urchins have no osmotic control to restrict water from entering cell membranes, so even a few splashes of tap water will blow apart the delicate uni into wispy confetti. Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2022 In addition to osmotic laxatives, stimulant laxatives are another over-the-counter product that react much more strongly in the gut, causing intestinal muscles to forcibly contract. Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 13 Sep. 2020 Sugar alcohols, particularly when consumed excessively, can cause an unpleasantness known as osmotic diarrhea. Jenny McCo, SELF, 12 Dec. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'osmotic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

osmose or osm(osis) + -otic entry 1

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of osmotic was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near osmotic

Cite this Entry

“Osmotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/osmotic. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

osmotic

adjective
os·​mot·​ic -ˈmät-ik How to pronounce osmotic (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the properties of osmosis
osmotically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on osmotic

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