Osmotic is a term used to describe a process that involves the movement of molecules through a semipermeable membrane, from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Synonyms for osmotic include diffusion, absorption, permeation, and transference. These terms connote the movement of substances from one area to another, whether it be from a higher to a lower concentration, or from one medium to another. Osmotic processes are fundamental to many biological and chemical processes, including the absorption of nutrients in plants and animals, purification of water, and the function of cell membranes. Synonyms for osmotic illustrate the ubiquitous nature of this important process.