Yes, it is, lyn. For example: "He was a most extraordinary teacher: his students seemed to gather knowledge by the process of osmosis." I'm assuming that you were not looking for the scientific definition.
yes, osmosis would be fine - the scientific definition isn't limited to biological processes and the term is also used for a gradual, often unconscious process of assimilation or absorption - that definition is given here http://www.tfd.com/osmosis and also in Chambers (for those who don't trust an online dictionary)
Osmosis. The passage of solvent molecules from a less concentrated to a more concentrated solution through a semipermeable membrane.
A gradual or unconscious assimilation of ideas.
Yes, it is, lyn. For example: "He was a most extraordinary teacher: his students seemed to gather knowledge by the process of osmosis." I'm assuming that you were not looking for the scientific definition.