absorption

noun

ab·​sorp·​tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən 

-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 

-ˈzȯrp-

adjective

Synonyms of absorption

• immersion
• attention
• concentration

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

Women who have a restricted diet and may not get enough iron-rich foods, those who have absorption issues or those who have particularly heavy menstrual cycles may be more likely to have lower iron levels. — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026

Available in both standard and wide sizes, this sneaker is designed with shock absorption to keep you feeling light on your feet. — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026

And then there’s the disconnect between executive enthusiasm for AI and actual frontline usage and tool absorption at the store or warehouse floor level. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026

Once inside the animal, unprotected trace minerals can interact with compounds such as phytate, reducing the amount available for absorption. — Aidan Connolly, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing absorption

• absorption band
• absorption line
• absorption spectrum
• self-absorption

Rhymes for absorption

• adsorption
• desorption
• resorption
• chemisorption
• malabsorption
• reabsorption
• sorption

Kids Definition

absorption

noun

ab·​sorp·​tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən 

-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 

-ˈzȯrp-

adjective

Medical Definition

absorption

noun

ab·​sorp·​tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən, -ˈzȯrp- 

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 absorption

—W. R. LaFave and J. H. Israel