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

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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.
Vital Lyfe Access, a reverse osmosis desalinator and purifier the size of an ice cooler, can now make even the briniest ocean haul drinkable. — Matthew Huff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Visit ideas such as reverse osmosis water filtration systems. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 Royal Caribbean heralds this ship for setting a new standard across the cruise industry for its water and waste management programs—93% of fresh water is produced on board via reverse osmosis, crew members sort trash for recycling, and so on. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Abu Dhabi is accelerating a shift toward reverse osmosis, which can run on electricity from any source. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 17 Sep. 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
reverse osmosis
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 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reverse osmosis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reverse osmosis

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