What is the difference between diffusion and osmosis?

Answer 1

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diffusion = Main Entry: dif·fu·sion
Pronunciation: di-'fyü-zh&n
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : the action of diffusing : the state of being diffused
2 : PROLIXITY, DIFFUSENESS
3 a : the process whereby particles of liquids, gases, or solids intermingle as the result of their spontaneous movement caused by thermal agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentration b (1) : reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface (2) : transmission of light through a translucent material : SCATTERING
4 : the spread of cultural elements from one area or group of people to others by contact
5 : the softening of sharp outlines in a photographic image
- dif·fu·sion·al /-'fyü-zh&-n&l/ adjective

osmosis = Main Entry: os·mo·sis
Pronunciation: äz-'mO-s&s, äs-
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, short for endosmosis
Date: 1867
1 : movement of a solvent through a semipermeable membrane (as of a living cell) into a solution of higher solute concentration that tends to equalize the concentrations of solute on the two sides of the membrane
2 : a process of absorption or diffusion suggestive of the flow of osmotic action; especially : a usually effortless often unconscious assimilation <learned a number of languages by osmosis —Roger Kimball>

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