semipermeable
adjective
semi·per·me·able
ˌse-mē-ˈpər-mē-ə-bəl 
ˌse-ˌmī-,
-mi-
: partially but not freely or wholly permeable
specifically
: permeable to some usually small molecules but not to other usually larger particles
a semipermeable membrane
Examples of semipermeable in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Reverse osmosis filters: This process forces water at high pressure through semipermeable filters, removing a larger range of contaminants such as heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses.
—
Tamar Kane, Health, 6 Feb. 2023
When sprayed onto fresh produce, Iceborea becomes a natural thin film and a semipermeable barrier that can protect against microorganisms.
—Hannah Hall, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2023
The company C2Sense, which licensed the technology, is working on creating portable prototypes that will encapsulate the nanotubes and a tiny battery in semipermeable, food-safe material.
—Katherine Kornei, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2016
Architects could design a building that is semipermeable, with membranes that allow the circulation of air and water at various times.
—Annalee Newitz, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2013
There’s a drainage line at the bottom, often under a semipermeable polymer layer that forms a firm bottom to the bunker and prevents rocks and soil from coming up during freeze-thaw cycles.
—Bradley S. Klein, WSJ, 17 June 2022
Specialized cells within the eel’s electric organ pump ions across a semipermeable membrane barrier to produce an electrical charge difference between the inside versus the outside of the membrane.
—Timothy J. Jorgensen, The Conversation, 9 May 2022
The second is whether the virus can gain access to the brain, which is protected by a semipermeable barrier that can block out pathogens and other harmful particles while still allowing nutrients and other key molecules to make it through.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2021
These cytokines are seemingly able to cross the semipermeable network of capillaries that connect the brain to the rest of the body (known as the blood-brain barrier).
—Claire Maldarelli, Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2018
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Tamar Kane, Health, 6 Feb. 2023
When sprayed onto fresh produce, Iceborea becomes a natural thin film and a semipermeable barrier that can protect against microorganisms.
—Hannah Hall, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2023
The company C2Sense, which licensed the technology, is working on creating portable prototypes that will encapsulate the nanotubes and a tiny battery in semipermeable, food-safe material.
—Katherine Kornei, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2016
Architects could design a building that is semipermeable, with membranes that allow the circulation of air and water at various times.
—Annalee Newitz, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2013
There’s a drainage line at the bottom, often under a semipermeable polymer layer that forms a firm bottom to the bunker and prevents rocks and soil from coming up during freeze-thaw cycles.
—Bradley S. Klein, WSJ, 17 June 2022
Specialized cells within the eel’s electric organ pump ions across a semipermeable membrane barrier to produce an electrical charge difference between the inside versus the outside of the membrane.
—Timothy J. Jorgensen, The Conversation, 9 May 2022
The second is whether the virus can gain access to the brain, which is protected by a semipermeable barrier that can block out pathogens and other harmful particles while still allowing nutrients and other key molecules to make it through.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2021
These cytokines are seemingly able to cross the semipermeable network of capillaries that connect the brain to the rest of the body (known as the blood-brain barrier).
—Claire Maldarelli, Popular Science, 22 Feb. 2018
Dictionary Entries Near semipermeable
Cite this Entry
“Semipermeable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semipermeable. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
semipermeable
adjective
semi·per·me·able
ˌsem-i-ˈpər-mē-ə-bəl
ˌsem-ˌī-
: partially but not freely or entirely permeable
especially
: permeable to some usually small molecules but not to other usually larger particles
Medical Definition
semipermeable
adjective
semi·per·me·able
ˌsem-i-ˈpər-mē-ə-bəl, ˌsem-ˌī-
: partially but not freely or wholly permeable
specifically
: permeable to some usually small molecules but not to other usually larger particles
a semipermeable membrane
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