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absorb Definition

ab·sorb (ab sôrb′, -zôrb′; əb-)

transitive verb

  1. to suck up blotting paper absorbs ink
  2. to take up the full attention or energy of; engross
  3. to take in and incorporate; assimilate
  4. to assume the burden of (costs or expenses)
  5. to take in (a shock or jolt) with little or no recoil or reaction
  6. to take in and not reflect (light, sound, etc.)

Etymology: L absorbere < ab-, from + sorbere, to suck in: see slurp

absorb Related Forms
ab·sorb′·abil′·ity noun ab·sorb′·able adjective ab·sorb′er noun
absorb Synonyms

absorb

v.

  1. To take in by absorption

    digest, suck up, suck in, take in, take up, drink in, drink up, receive, ingest, intercept, appropriate, embody, use up, assimilate, osmose, blot, imbibe, swallow, consume, ingurgitate, incorporate, sop up, soak up, sponge up, get by osmosis.

    Antonyms eject*, expel*, discharge. *

  2. To occupy completely

    engage, engross, employ; see occupy 3.

  3. To take in mentally

    grasp, learn, sense, assimilate; see learn 1, understand 1.

absorb Usage Examples

Object

  • moisture: A sheet of kitchen towel placed in the bag will help to absorb any moisture.
  • nutrient: They absorb many useful nutrients by which to supply their own growth.
  • exudate: The purpose of the dressing is to absorb any exudate and protect the wound.
  • radiation: Historically the unit was the rad derived from " radiation absorbed dose " .
  • dioxide: The absolute planetary limit we are facing is the ability of the planet to absorb carbon dioxide.
  • calcium: Vitamin D, helps to promote healthy bones and teeth and helps the body to absorb calcium.

Subject

  • molecule: They don't travel very far before colliding and being absorbed by other gas molecules.
  • skin: Special Joint Support Gel is non sticky, non greasy and gets immediately absorbed by the skin.

Preposition: through

  • lining: As the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the nose it is absorbed fast but it can irritate the nose at first.
  • skin: The design of such medicaments is to enable the drug to be absorbed through the skin into the target area of the body.

Preposition: into

  • bloodstream: The oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream by the lungs.
  • skin: Made with an almond oil base, this cream is light and readily absorbed into skin.
  • stream: Soluble particles may be absorbed into the blood stream.

Preposition: in

  • intestine: The amount absorbed in the intestine is usually carefully regulated.
  • gut: Fat also helps certain vitamins to absorbed in the gut.

Preposition: from

  • intestine: Absorption and Metabolism Ascorbic acid is readily absorbed from the intestine.
  • gut: Within those major objectives there are other more specific questions such as: How are the compounds absorbed from the gut?
  • stomach: Effects of LSD LSD is quickly absorbed from the stomach and intestines and its effects are felt in 30-40 minutes.

Preposition: by

  • molecule: They don't travel very far before colliding and being absorbed by other gas molecules.
  • skin: Special Joint Support Gel is non sticky, non greasy and gets immediately absorbed by the skin.