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absorb

One entry found.

Main Entry:
ab·sorb 
          Listen to the pronunciation of absorb 
          Listen to the pronunciation of absorb
Pronunciation:
\əb-ˈsrb, -ˈzrb\
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 
          Listen to the pronunciation of absorbability \əb-ˌsr-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē, -ˌzr-\ noun
ab·sorb·able 
          Listen to the pronunciation of absorbable \əb-ˈsr-bə-bəl, -ˈzr-\ adjective
ab·sorb·er noun


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