adsorb

verb

ad·​sorb ad-ˈsȯrb  -ˈzȯrb 

adsorbed; adsorbing; adsorbs

transitive verb

: to take up and hold by adsorption

intransitive verb

: to become adsorbed

adsorbable

ad-ˈsȯr-bə-bəl 

-ˈzȯr-

adjective

adsorber

ad-ˈsȯr-bər 

-ˈzȯr-

noun

Examples of adsorb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The scientists explained that water molecules adsorbed by the material modify its electronic structure. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

Deterra Drug Deactivation System test The Deterra Drug Deactivation System is a biodegradable pouch that uses activated charcoal to adsorb medications after warm water is added. — Sunny Linnebur, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026

The surface is then dosed with phosphine gas, which adsorbs to the surface only in places where the silicon is exposed. — IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2026

Nitrate dissolves easily in water and does not adsorb onto the soil. — Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from adsorption

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for adsorb

• absorb
• orb

Kids Definition

adsorb

verb

ad·​sorb ad-ˈsȯrb  -ˈzȯrb 

: to take up and hold or to become taken up by adsorption

Medical Definition

adsorb

transitive verb

ad·​sorb ad-ˈsȯ(ə)rb  -ˈzȯ(ə)rb 

: to take up and hold by adsorption

intransitive verb

: to become adsorbed

adsorbability

-ˌsȯr-bə-ˈbil-ət-ē, -ˌzȯr- 

noun

plural adsorbabilities

adsorbable

-ˈsȯr-bə-bəl  -ˈzȯr- 

adjective