adsorption
noun
ad·sorp·tion
ad-ˈsȯrp-shən 
-ˈzȯrp-
-ˈzȯrp-
: the adhesion in an extremely thin layer of molecules (as of gases, solutes, or liquids) to the surfaces of solid bodies or liquids with which they are in contact compare absorption
Examples of adsorption in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At low concentrations, adsorption increased gradually, typical of monolayer adsorption, where molecules form a single layer on the surface.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
After a second pilot test for lithium extraction to produce battery grade lithium carbonate, Neptune started a third pilot test earlier in September to evaluate an adsorption process to recover the mineral from brine water.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Today’s rich variety of igneous rocks forms thanks to complex processes, including remelting, adsorption, and exchange of chemical elements, happening in Earth’s crust and driven by plate tectonics.
—David Bressan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Biochar is an established material for removing contaminants from water due to its large surface area and pores, abundant chemical binding groups, high stability, strong adsorption capacity and low cost.
—Boluwatife S. Olubusoye, The Conversation, 22 July 2025
Dravid envisions future public health initiatives, such as campaigns encouraging people to decontaminate their water, one cup of tea at a time, or the development of teabags with better metal adsorption properties.
—Simon Spichak, Health, 6 Mar. 2025
Researchers designed the new study to explore how different types of tea, tea bags, and brewing methods affect heavy metal adsorption.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Feb. 2025
This adsorption generates a large and tunable type of electrical noise in addition to common environmental noise.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 Oct. 2017
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Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
After a second pilot test for lithium extraction to produce battery grade lithium carbonate, Neptune started a third pilot test earlier in September to evaluate an adsorption process to recover the mineral from brine water.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Today’s rich variety of igneous rocks forms thanks to complex processes, including remelting, adsorption, and exchange of chemical elements, happening in Earth’s crust and driven by plate tectonics.
—David Bressan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Biochar is an established material for removing contaminants from water due to its large surface area and pores, abundant chemical binding groups, high stability, strong adsorption capacity and low cost.
—Boluwatife S. Olubusoye, The Conversation, 22 July 2025
Dravid envisions future public health initiatives, such as campaigns encouraging people to decontaminate their water, one cup of tea at a time, or the development of teabags with better metal adsorption properties.
—Simon Spichak, Health, 6 Mar. 2025
Researchers designed the new study to explore how different types of tea, tea bags, and brewing methods affect heavy metal adsorption.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Feb. 2025
This adsorption generates a large and tunable type of electrical noise in addition to common environmental noise.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 Oct. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Adsorption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adsorption. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adsorption
noun
ad·sorp·tion
-ˈsȯrp-shən
-ˈzȯrp-
-ˈzȯrp-
: the sticking of molecules (as of a gas or liquid) in a very thin layer to the surfaces of solid objects or liquids which the molecules come in contact with
Medical Definition
adsorption
noun
ad·sorp·tion
ad-ˈsȯrp-shən
-ˈzȯrp-
-ˈzȯrp-
: the adhesion in an extremely thin layer of molecules (as of gases, solutes, or liquids) to the surfaces of solid bodies or liquids with which they are in contact compare absorption
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