absorb

verb ab·sorb \əb-ˈsȯrb, -ˈzȯrb\

: to take in (something, such as a liquid) in a natural or gradual way

: to draw in (heat, light, energy, etc.)

: to learn (something)

Full Definition of ABSORB

transitive verb

: to take in and make part of an existent whole <the capacity of China to absorb invaders>

a : to suck up or take up <a sponge absorbs water> <charcoal absorbs gas> <plant roots absorb water>

b : to take in : acquire, learn <convictions absorbed in youth — M. R. Cohen>

c : use up, consume <the fever absorbed her strength>

: to engage or engross wholly <absorbed in thought>

a (1) : to receive without recoil or echo <provided with a sound-absorbing surface> (2) : endure, sustain <absorbing hardships> (3) : assume, bear <the expenses were absorbed by the company>

b : to transform (radiant energy) into a different form especially with a resulting rise in temperature <the earth absorbs the sun's rays>

— ab·sorb·abil·i·ty \əb-ˌsȯr-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē, -ˌzȯr-\ noun

— ab·sorb·able \əb-ˈsȯr-bə-bəl, -ˈzȯr-\ adjective

— ab·sorb·er noun

See absorb defined for English-language learners

See absorb defined for kids

Origin of ABSORB

Anglo-French asorbir to swallow up, from Latin absorbēre, from ab- + sorbēre to suck up; akin to Lithuanian surbti to sip, Greek rophein to gulp down

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to ABSORB

Synonyms: drink, imbibe, soak (up), sponge, suck (up), take up

Antonyms: renew, replace

Other Chemical Engineering Terms

alkali, cation, decant, hygroscopic, isotope, oxidize, slurry, solute, viscous

Rhymes with ABSORB

adsorb, desorb, resorb

ABSORB Defined for Kids

absorb

verb ab·sorb \əb-ˈsȯrb, -ˈzȯrb\

ab·sorbedab·sorb·ing

Definition of ABSORB for Kids

: to take in or swallow up <A sponge absorbs water.>

: to hold the complete attention of <She was absorbed by the movie.>

: to receive without giving back <The walls of the theater absorb sound.>

Medical Dictionary

absorb

transitive verb ab·sorb \əb-ˈsȯ(ə)rb, -ˈzȯ(ə)rb\

Medical Definition of ABSORB

: to take up especially by capillary, osmotic, solvent, or chemical action <surgical sutures which can be absorbed by the body> <the blood in the lungs absorbs oxygen>

: to transform (radiant energy) into a different form usually with a resulting rise in temperature <chlorophyll reflects green light and absorbs the other colors of light>

—ab·sorb·able \əb-ˈsȯr-bə-bəl, -ˈzȯr-\ adjective

—ab·sorb·er noun