adsorption
noun
ad·sorp·tion
ad-ˈsȯrp-shən 
-ˈzȯrp-
-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
The system addresses this by selectively removing carbon dioxide and concentrating the remaining trace gases using advanced adsorption techniques.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Instead, the gases compete with each other, with the presence of one gas actually hindering the adsorption, or trapping, of the others.
—Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 29 Jan. 2026
After a second pilot test for lithium extraction to produce battery grade lithium carbonate, Neptune started a third pilot test earlier in September to evaluate an adsorption process to recover the mineral from brine water.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Biochar is an established material for removing contaminants from water due to its large surface area and pores, abundant chemical binding groups, high stability, strong adsorption capacity and low cost.
—Boluwatife S. Olubusoye, The Conversation, 22 July 2025
Also featured are Alta Resource Technologies, using computational biochemistry to extract critical minerals like neodymium and gallium from e-waste, and Tidal Metals, which is pioneering magnesium extraction from seawater through a novel vapor adsorption system.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The researchers used deionized water, which may not accurately represent a real-world scenario because various tap water ions like calcium, magnesium, and copper also affect adsorption.
—Simon Spichak, Health, 6 Mar. 2025
This adsorption generates a large and tunable type of electrical noise in addition to common environmental noise.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 Oct. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Instead, the gases compete with each other, with the presence of one gas actually hindering the adsorption, or trapping, of the others.
—Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 29 Jan. 2026
After a second pilot test for lithium extraction to produce battery grade lithium carbonate, Neptune started a third pilot test earlier in September to evaluate an adsorption process to recover the mineral from brine water.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Biochar is an established material for removing contaminants from water due to its large surface area and pores, abundant chemical binding groups, high stability, strong adsorption capacity and low cost.
—Boluwatife S. Olubusoye, The Conversation, 22 July 2025
Also featured are Alta Resource Technologies, using computational biochemistry to extract critical minerals like neodymium and gallium from e-waste, and Tidal Metals, which is pioneering magnesium extraction from seawater through a novel vapor adsorption system.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The researchers used deionized water, which may not accurately represent a real-world scenario because various tap water ions like calcium, magnesium, and copper also affect adsorption.
—Simon Spichak, Health, 6 Mar. 2025
This adsorption generates a large and tunable type of electrical noise in addition to common environmental noise.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 Oct. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Adsorption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adsorption. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adsorption
noun
ad·sorp·tion
-ˈsȯrp-shən
-ˈzȯrp-
-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-
-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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
