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

How To Make Your Tree Last Until 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, 25 Dec. 2025

Drinking aloe vera juice with or after meals can ensure optimal absorption by your gut. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 23 Dec. 2025

The additional fiber in the whole grains further slows your body's absorption of carbs, stunting blood sugar spikes. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 22 Dec. 2025

The high-rebound EVA midsole provides reliable shock absorption, while the outsole’s anti-slip grooves add extra traction. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2025

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