semipermeable

[ sem-ee-pur-mee-uh-buh l, sem-ahy- ]
/ ˌsɛm iˈpɜr mi ə bəl, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

adjective

permeable only to certain small molecules: a semipermeable membrane.

Origin of semipermeable

First recorded in 1895–1900; semi- + permeable

OTHER WORDS FROM semipermeable

sem·i·per·me·a·bil·i·ty, noun

Words nearby semipermeable

semipalmate, semipalmated plover, semipalmated sandpiper, semiparasitic, semipermanent, semipermeable, semiplastic, semipolar bond, semipolitical, semiporcelain, semipostal

British Dictionary definitions for semi-permeability

semipermeable
/ (ˌsɛmɪˈpɜːmɪəbəl) /

adjective

(esp of a cell membrane) selectively permeable

Derived forms of semipermeable

semipermeability, noun

Medical definitions for semi-permeability

semipermeable
[ sĕm′ē-pûr′mē-ə-bəl, sĕm′ī- ]

adj.

Partially permeable.
Allowing passage of certain, especially small, molecules or ions but acting as a barrier to others. Used of biological and synthetic membranes.