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

Invert sugar is valued for its superb sweetness and moisture absorption. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 8 May 2025

According to this school of thought, sedentary adults should eat closer to 0.45 grams of protein per pound of weight (25 percent more than the RDA), and older adults, who are more prone to muscle loss and impaired nutrient absorption, should get 0.54 grams per pound. —Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 7 May 2025

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as IBD and liver disease, can impact vitamin D absorption and breakdown. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 May 2025

This beautiful sleeve is on par with the most expensive leather laptop sleeves, and has a soft exterior with moderate shock absorption and a wool felt interior that helps keep laptops scratch-free. —Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 5 May 2025

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

Rhymes for absorption

• adsorption
• desorption
• resorption
• chemisorption
• malabsorption
• reabsorption
• sorption

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