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adsorption
noun
ad·sorp·tion
ad-ˈsȯrp-shən
-ˈzȯrp-
: the adhesion in an extremely thin layer of molecules (as of gases, solutes, or liquids) to the surfaces of solid bodies or liquids with which they are in contact compare absorption
Examples of adsorption in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Water reclamation would be done through filtration, adsorption, and distillation of urine, very much as it is done today on the ISS.
—Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 13 Sep. 2023
The company is using a mix of technologies that include adsorption and a patented nanotechnology membrane that can almost instantly separate lithium.
Which technology for DLE will win is still unclear.
—IEEE Spectrum, 31 Oct. 2023
Over $500 million has been allocated to provide LMICs with oxygen supplies, including pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen generating plants, liquid oxygen, oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters, and ventilators, and to finance health system improvements for delivering oxygen to patients.
—Jayasree K. Iyer, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2021
The high surface area increases access to the sorbent and increases CO2 adsorption rate significantly, Gupta says.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2022
Activated carbon helps remove chemicals through adsorption, a process in which pollutants are attracted to the carbon.
—Tamar Kane, Health, 6 Feb. 2023
Note that adsorption should not be confused with absorption, which is when a liquid or gas completely passes into or through another medium.
—Eunice Liu, Discover Magazine, 23 Aug. 2016
The Chinese team started with a bench-top experiment, then scaled up to 20 kilograms of material, and finally moved to a field test at an actual ion-adsorption deposit, trying the technique on a 14-ton hunk of clay.
—Bydennis Normile, science.org, 1 Nov. 2022
Professor Sagiv first demonstrated the adsorption of different thin films onto a wider range of materials such as metal and glass.
—Suze Kundu, Forbes, 1 June 2022
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Word History
Etymology
borrowed from German Adsorption, from ad- ad- + (Ab)sorption absorption
First Known Use
1807, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near adsorption
Cite this Entry
“Adsorption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adsorption. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
adsorption
noun
ad·sorp·tion
-ˈsȯrp-shən
-ˈzȯrp-
: the sticking of molecules (as of a gas or liquid) in a very thin layer to the surfaces of solid objects or liquids which the molecules come in contact with
Medical Definition
adsorption
noun
ad·sorp·tion
ad-ˈsȯrp-shən
-ˈzȯrp-
: the adhesion in an extremely thin layer of molecules (as of gases, solutes, or liquids) to the surfaces of solid bodies or liquids with which they are in contact compare absorption
More from Merriam-Webster on adsorption
Britannica English: Translation of adsorption for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about adsorption
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