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

While absorption took a bit longer than expected, the moisturizer provided instant hydration and protection. —Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024

While high fat foods such as almonds and avocados are high in calories, fats offer slow meal absorption and actually help to avoid blood sugar spikes. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

This omega-3 supplement is made exclusively from wild arctic cod liver oil in the triglyceride form for optimal absorption. —Jenny Friedman, Ms, Parents, 31 Mar. 2024

Location of the bite: Bites to certain areas of the body, such as head, neck and torso, may result in more rapid absorption of venom into the bloodstream. —The Arizona Republic, 23 Mar. 2024

Alcohol interferes with folate absorption, and people with alcohol use disorder might consume a diet low in folate. —Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 22 Mar. 2024

In physics, and photography is an aspect of physics, within the visible scale, Black is the absorption of all the wavelengths of light. —Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2024

How lead damages the body Lead enters the body through three routes: ingestion, absorption or inhalation. —Aaron Specht, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024

And for maximum absorption, Dr. Kung and Dr. Segal recommend applying it to damp skin after bathing. —Brigitt Earley, Allure, 28 Feb. 2024

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

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