Absorption

/əbˈzɔːrpʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The process by which one thing takes in or absorbs another, such as the uptake of energy or substances.

The absorption of water by the roots is essential for the plant's survival.

The process of fully engaging with or understanding a subject, concept, or experience.

Her absorption in the book kept her up all night.

The state or condition of being absorbed or engrossed.

The artist worked in total absorption, losing track of time.

In finance, the transfer of ownership in an asset or company.

The absorption of the smaller company by the larger one created a powerful corporate entity.

The extent to which a substance can take in another substance.

The absorption rate of the new material was significantly higher than expected.

Late Middle English: from Latin absorptio(n-), from absorbere 'absorb'.

rate of absorption

The speed at which substances are absorbed.

absorption spectrum

A spectrum that shows the wavelengths of light absorbed by a substance.

selective absorption

The process whereby certain wavelengths of light are absorbed while others are reflected.

absorb

To take in or soak up a substance.

absorptive

Able to absorb substances.

absorptance

The fraction of incident radiation that is absorbed by a surface.

Getting into something deeply.

He's totally absorbed in this game right now.

Being mindlessly engrossed.

She was in total absorption with her phone, barely realizing the time.