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

• attention
• concentration
• engrossment
• enthrallment
• immersion

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

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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
• self-absorption
• absorption spectrum

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

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