adsorption

noun

ad·​sorp·​tion ad-ˈsȯrp-shən  -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

adsorptive

ad-ˈsȯrp-tiv 

-ˈzȯrp-

adjective

Examples of adsorption in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, the gases compete with each other, with the presence of one gas actually hindering the adsorption, or trapping, of the others. — Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 29 Jan. 2026

The researchers reported that the material achieved up to seven times higher CO2 adsorption capacity compared to the original raw material. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026

The chemists redesigned the MOF structure with atomic precision, tuning its desorption profile while preserving its stability and low-humidity adsorption. — Dr. Samer Taha, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Adsorption, from ad- ad- + (Ab)sorption absorption

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for adsorption

• absorption
• desorption
• resorption
• chemisorption
• malabsorption
• reabsorption
• sorption

Kids Definition

adsorption

noun

ad·​sorp·​tion -ˈsȯrp-shən  -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- 

: 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

adsorptive

-ˈsȯrp-tiv  -ˈzȯrp- 

adjective