osmotic |
<chemistry> Pertaining to or of the nature of osmosis (= the passage of pure solvent from a solution of lesser to one of greater solute concentration when the two solutions are separated by a membrane which selectively prevents the passage of solute molecules, but is permeable to the solvent). (18 Nov 1997) |
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osmotic diuresis |
Diuresis due to a high concentration of osmotically active substances in the renal tubules (e.g., urea, sodium sulfate), which limit the reabsorption of water. (05 Mar 2000) |
osmotic diuretics |
Drugs, such as mannitol, which by their osmotic effects retain water during urine formation and thus dilute electrolytes in the urine, making resorption less efficient; they promote the elimination of water and electrolytes in the urine. (05 Mar 2000) |
osmotic fragility |
The susceptibility, or lack of resistance, of erythrocytes to haemolysis when exposed to increasingly hypotonic saline solutions. (12 Dec 1998) |
osmotic nephrosis |
Swelling of renal tubular epithelium associated with glomerular filtration of sugars and dextrose; the swelling is due to formation of cytoplasmic vesicles by pinocytosis, and is reversible, probably with no dysfunction, when produced by glucose or mannitol. (05 Mar 2000) |
osmotic pressure |
See: osmosis. The pressure required to prevent osmotic flow across a semi permeable membrane separating two solutions of different solute concentration. Equal to the pressure that can be set up by osmotic flow in this system. (18 Nov 1997) |
osmotic shock |
Passage of solvent into a membrane bound structure due to osmosis, causing rupture of the membrane. A method of lysing cells or organelles. (18 Nov 1997) |
osmotolerance |
The measure of a plant's capability to withstand drought or to thrive in large amounts of salt in its water supply. (14 Nov 1997) |
osmund |
<botany> A fern of the genus Osmunda, or flowering fern. The most remarkable species is the osmund royal, or royal fern (Osmunda regalis), which grows in wet or boggy places, and has large bipinnate fronds, often with a panicle of capsules at the top. The rootstock contains much starch, and has been used in stiffening linen. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |