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The correct definition of osmosis is the flow of water from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration through a semipermeable membrane. This process is crucial for many biological functions, particularly in maintaining cell homeostasis.

In osmosis, the semipermeable membrane allows water molecules to pass but restricts the movement of solute molecules, such as salts or sugars. As a result, water moves to balance the concentration of solutes on both sides of the membrane. This movement helps cells to maintain their shape, size, and overall function in various environments.

Osmosis is a specific type of passive transport, which means it does not require energy to occur. It's driven solely by the concentration gradient of the solutes dissolved in the water, leading to an equalization of solute concentrations across compartments. Understanding osmosis is essential in fields such as biology, medicine, and environmental science, as it plays a vital role in processes like nutrient uptake and waste removal in cells.