First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
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
1
: to take in and make part of an existent whole <the capacity of China to absorb invaders>
2
3
: to engage or engross wholly <absorbed in thought>
4
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
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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
Other Chemical Engineering Terms
ABSORBED Defined for Kids
absorb
verb ab·sorb \əb-ˈsȯrb, -ˈzȯrb\
ab·sorbedab·sorb·ing
Definition of ABSORB for Kids
1
: to take in or swallow up <A sponge absorbs water.>
2
: to hold the complete attention of <She was absorbed by the movie.>
3
: 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
1
: 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>
2
: 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
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