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 of absorption

• immersion
• attention
• concentration

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

That has raised ocean acidity—a direct result of CO2 absorption—by 30%. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2026

Massage it in circular motions to create warmth for better absorption. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

That includes significantly increasing nitrogen absorption by about two-thirds and more than doubling phosphorus uptake, two of the most important nutrients for plant growth. — Esther Ndumi Ngumbi, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Strawberries contain both insoluble and soluble fiber, the second of which decreases the rate of digestion and absorption of nutrients. — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 8 July 2026

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