uptake
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up·take

noun \ˈəp-ˌtāk\

Definition of UPTAKE

1
: understanding, comprehension <quick on the uptake>
2
: a flue leading upward
3
: an act or instance of absorbing and incorporating especially into a living organism, tissue, or cell <oxygen uptake>

Examples of UPTAKE

  1. oxygen uptake by the body
  2. the plant's uptake of water
  3. a rapid uptake of liquid
  4. She's pretty quick on the uptake.

Origin of UPTAKE

Scots uptake to understand
First Known Use: 1816

up·take

noun \ˈəp-ˌtāk\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of UPTAKE

: an act or instance of absorbing and incorporating something especially into a living organism, tissue, or cell <oxygen uptake> <thyroid function should be determined by radioiodine uptake studies—Journal of the American Medical Association>

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