Main Entry: im·bibe

Pronunciation: \im-ˈbīb\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): im·bibed; im·bib·ing

Etymology: Middle English enbiben to absorb, cause to absorb, from Latin imbibere to drink in, absorb, from in- + bibere to drink — more at potable

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 archaic : soak, steep
2 a : to receive into the mind and retain <imbibe moral principles> b : to assimilate or take into solution
3 a : drink b : to take in or up <a sponge imbibes moisture>intransitive verb 1 : drink 2
2 a : to take in liquid b : to absorb or assimilate moisture, gas, light, or heat

— im·bib·er noun