absorb
ab·sorb
verb \əb-ˈsȯrb, -ˈzȯrb\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
Examples of ABSORB
- a fabric that absorbs sweat
- The walls are made of a material that absorbs sound.
- absorbing heat from the sun
- She is good at absorbing information.
- He has retained the values that he absorbed as a young man.
- a country that has absorbed many immigrants
- smaller countries invaded and absorbed by bigger ones
- His interest in photography absorbs him completely.
- I was so absorbed by her story that I lost track of time.
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
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to ABSORB
Other Chemical Engineering Terms
Learn More About ABSORB
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: absorbance
Previous Word in the Dictionary: absonant
All Words Near: absorb
Previous Word in the Dictionary: absonant
All Words Near: absorb
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up absorb? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).






See 

