absorption
[ ab-sawrp-shuh n, -zawrp- ]
/ æbˈsɔrp ʃən, -ˈzɔrp- /
noun
Origin of absorption
OTHER WORDS FROM absorption
hy·per·ab·sorp·tion, noun in·ter·ab·sorp·tion, noun non·ab·sorp·tion, noun o·ver·ab·sorp·tion, nounWords nearby absorption
Example sentences from the Web for absorption
British Dictionary definitions for absorption
absorption
/ (əbˈsɔːpʃən, -ˈzɔːp-) /
noun
the process of absorbing or the state of being absorbed
physiol
- normal assimilation by the tissues of the products of digestion
- the passage of a gas, fluid, drug, etc, through the mucous membranes or skin
physics
a reduction of the intensity of any form of radiated energy as a result of energy conversion in a medium, such as the conversion of sound energy into heat
immunol
the process of removing superfluous antibodies or antigens from a mixture using a reagent
Derived forms of absorption
absorptive, adjectiveWord Origin for absorption
C16: from Latin
absorptiōn-, from
absorbēre to
absorb
Medical definitions for absorption
absorption
[ əb-zôrp′shən ]
n.
The taking in or incorporation of something, such as a gas, a liquid, light, or heat.
Scientific definitions for absorption
absorption
[ əb-sôrp′shən ]
Biology
The movement of a substance, such as a liquid or solute, across a cell membrane by means of diffusion or osmosis.
Chemistry
The process by which one substance, such as a solid or liquid, takes up another substance, such as a liquid or gas, through minute pores or spaces between its molecules. A paper towel takes up water, and water takes up carbon dioxide, by absorption. Compare adsorption.
Physics
The taking up and storing of energy, such as radiation, light, or sound, without it being reflected or transmitted. During absorption, the energy may change from one form into another. When radiation strikes the electrons in an atom, the electrons move to a higher orbit or state of excitement by absorption of the radiation's energy.