Semipermeable (adjective)

1. Describing a membrane or barrier that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through while blocking others.
2. Relating to a material that is partially permeable, allowing certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

Origin:

The word is derived from the combination of semi and permeable, indicating that a membrane or barrier allows some substances to pass through but not others.

Examples:

1. Semipermeable membranes are used in dialysis to filter impurities from blood.
2. The semipermeable membrane of the cell wall allows water and small molecules to pass through while blocking larger molecules.
3. Semipermeable membranes are used in reverse osmosis to purify water.
4. The semipermeable membrane of the egg prevents harmful bacteria and viruses from entering while allowing oxygen to pass through.
5. Semipermeable membranes are used in many industrial and biological applications.