osmotic shock

noun

: a rapid change in the osmotic pressure (as by transfer to a medium of different concentration) affecting a living system

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of osmotic shock was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near osmotic shock

Cite this Entry

“Osmotic shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/osmotic%20shock. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

osmotic shock

noun
: a rapid change in the osmotic pressure (as by transfer to a medium of different concentration) affecting a living system
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!