noun

1. the tendency of a solvent to pass through a semipermeable membrane, as the wall of a living cell, into a solution of higher concentration, so as to equalize concentrations on both sides of the membrane
2. the diffusion of fluids through a membrane or porous partition
3. an apparently effortless absorption of ideas, feelings, attitudes, etc., as if by biological osmosis

Etymology: ModL, ult. < Gr ōsmos, impulse < ōthein, to push < IE base *wedh-, to push, strike > Sans vádhar-, deadly weapon