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