absorption

noun

ab·​sorp·​tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən How to pronounce absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
1
a
: the process of absorbing something or of being absorbed
absorption of water
compare adsorption
b
: interception of radiant energy or sound waves
2
: entire occupation of the mind
his absorption in his work
absorptive
əb-ˈsȯrp-tiv How to pronounce absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
adjective

Examples of absorption in a Sentence

forgot to return the phone call due to his absorption in setting up the new computer system
Recent Examples on the Web In such a case, the electrons and holes in the semiconductor recombine and radiate photons, reversing the process of light absorption. Sid Assawaworrarit, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2023 A number of studies have pointed to the varied active roles that enteric glia play in digestion, nutrient absorption, blood flow and immune responses. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023 This enhances its absorption and allows for quicker onset of effects. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 20 Oct. 2023 French absorption painting came to seem as phony as the bourgeoisie itself, another product offering bottled AuthenticityTM. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2023 About 2 billion tons are now removed every year, but that is largely achieved through the natural absorption capacity of forests. E&e News, Scientific American, 20 Nov. 2023 The researchers compared the absorption profiles for different gases taken from an online molecular absorption database with sensing data on various gas samples from their sub-terahertz transceivers in sensing mode. IEEE Spectrum, 16 Nov. 2023 How To Make Your Tree Last Till Epiphany To keep your tree long-lasting and help with absorption, make sure that it's freshly cut before it's put into water. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2023 The gut’s primary function is digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. Rebecca Jaspan, Mph, Rd, Health, 26 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'absorption.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Late Latin; French, borrowed from Late Latin absorptiōn-, absorptiō, from absorbēre "to absorb" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of absorption was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near absorption

Cite this Entry

“Absorption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absorption. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

absorption

noun
ab·​sorp·​tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən How to pronounce absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
1
: the process of absorbing or being absorbed: as
a
: the passing of digested food through the wall of the intestines into the blood or lymph
b
: the stopping and taking in especially of radiant energy or sound waves
2
: entire occupation of the mind
absorptive
-ˈsȯrp-tiv How to pronounce absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
adjective

Medical Definition

absorption

noun
ab·​sorp·​tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən, -ˈzȯrp- How to pronounce absorption (audio)
1
: the process of absorbing or of being absorbed
absorption of nourishment in the small intestine
compare adsorption
2
: interception of radiant energy or sound waves

Legal Definition

absorption

noun
ab·​sorp·​tion
: the application to the states of rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution
while Powell [v. Alabama] was sometimes described as having absorbed the right to counsel, the Court there clearly limited any such absorptionW. R. LaFave and J. H. Israel

More from Merriam-Webster on absorption

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