Main Entry:

ab·sorb

Pronunciation:

\əb-ˈsȯrb, -ˈzȯrb\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

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

Date:

15th century

1: to take in and make part of an existent whole <the capacity of China to absorb invaders>2 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>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