Diffusion vs. Osmosis — What's the Difference?

Diffusion is the net movement of anything (for example, atoms, ions, molecules, energy) from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. Diffusion is driven by a gradient in concentration.

Osmosis (, US also ) is the spontaneous net movement or diffusion of solvent molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from a region of high water potential (region of lower solute concentration) to a region of low water potential (region of higher solute concentration), in the direction that tends to equalize the solute concentrations on the two sides. It may also be used to describe a physical process in which any solvent moves across a selectively permeable membrane (permeable to the solvent, but not the solute) separating two solutions of different concentrations.

The process of diffusing or the condition of being diffused

Diffusion of fluid through a semipermeable membrane from a solution with a low solute concentration to a solution with a higher solute concentration. Osmosis ceases when there is an equal solute concentration on both sides of the membrane.

The scattering of incident light by reflection from a rough surface.

The tendency of fluids to diffuse in such a manner.

The transmission of light through a translucent material.

A gradual, often unconscious process of assimilation or absorption

The spontaneous intermingling of the particles of two or more substances as a result of random thermal motion.

(chemistry) The net movement of solvent molecules, usually water, from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration through a partially permeable membrane.

The spread of linguistic or cultural practices or innovations within a community or from one community to another.

(figurative) Passive absorption or impartation of information, habits, etc.; the act of teaching or picking up knowledge incidentally, without actually seeking that particular knowledge.

The act of diffusing or dispersing something, or the property of being diffused or dispersed; dispersion.

The tendency in fluids to mix, or become equably diffused, when in contact. It was first observed between fluids of differing densities, and as taking place through a membrane or an intervening porous structure. An older term for the phenomenon was Osmose.

(physics) The scattering of light by reflection from a rough surface, or by passage through a translucent medium.

Diffusion of molecules through a semipermeable membrane from a place of higher concentration to a place of lower concentration until the concentration on both sides is equal

(physics) The intermingling of the molecules of a fluid due to random thermal agitation.

The spread of cultural or linguistic practices, or social institutions, in one or more communities.

(marketing) The gradual spread and adoption of goods or services.

Exchange of airborne media between regions in space in an apparently random motion of a small scale.

The movement of water vapor from regions of high concentration (high water vapor pressure) toward regions of lower concentration.

The act of diffusing, or the state of being diffused; a spreading; extension; dissemination; circulation; dispersion.

The act of passing by osmosis through animal membranes, as in the distribution of poisons, gases, etc., through the body. Unlike absorption, diffusion may go on after death, that is, after the blood ceases to circulate.

(physics) the process of diffusing; the intermingling of molecules in gases and liquids as a result of random thermal agitation

The spread of social institutions (and myths and skills) from one society to another

The property of being diffused or dispersed

The act of dispersing or diffusing something;