reverse osmosis

noun

: the movement of fresh water through a semipermeable membrane when pressure is applied to a solution (such as seawater) on one side of it

Examples of reverse osmosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The base is reverse osmosis water with yuzu, ginger, and honey, which balances out the usual abrasive taste of a wellness shot. — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026 According to Bapple, water begins in reverse osmosis tanks and is transported to the top of the growing stacks. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 28 May 2026 Chowdhury added that reverse osmosis (RO) point-of-use systems and distillation can help remove salts from your tap water. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 11 May 2026 But these massive facilities, which use standard methods such as reverse osmosis and thermal distillation, are dirty. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reverse osmosis

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reverse osmosis was in 1921

Rhymes for reverse osmosis

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Browse Nearby Words

reverse oneself
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reverse painting
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Cite this Entry

“Reverse osmosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reverse%20osmosis. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reverse osmosis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reverse osmosis

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