exosmosis

Pronunciation key ( ek′sos-mō′sis ) ( ek′soz-mō′sis )

ex•os•mo•sis

n.

[Mod. L.; ex- + osmosis].

1. Phys. Chem. Diffusion from within, outward or from an inner to an outer vessel.
2. Passage outwards through a membrane of gases or liquids.
3. Flow of a fluid through a permeable membrane into less dense fluid.
4. Chem. Osmosis in the direction which fluid crosses the septum most slowly. The slower diffusion of the more dense fluid through the semipermeable membrane to mingle with the less dense: opposed to endosmosis.

Also ex′os•mose, ex′os•mot′ic adj., ex•os′mic adj.

See Osmosis.

References

The American College Dictionary (Random House) ©1949

Funk and Wagnalls Encyclopedia ©1950

Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955

Webster's Improved Dictionary and Everyday Encyclopedia ©1956

Funk and Wagnalls Standard Dictionary, Comprehensive International Edition ©1976

Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health ©1978

The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985