noun
Uncommon
absorption
uhb-ZAWP-shn
Absorption (noun) means the process of taking in and incorporating a substance, such as light, heat, or liquid. Example: “The dark tiles increase heat absorption in the room.”
noun
1
The process of taking in and incorporating a substance, such as light, heat, or liquid.
"The dark tiles increase heat absorption in the room."
"The body's absorption of nutrients begins in the small intestine."
"Plants depend on the absorption of water through their roots."
2
A total engrossment of someone's attention or interest.
"His absorption in his work meant he forgot to eat lunch."
"Her complete absorption in the novel made her miss her bus stop."
"The child's absorption in the puzzle was so deep that she ignored every noise around her."
How to use absorption
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe process of soaking something up — light, heat, nutrients — or being completely engrossed mentally.
Common pairings
rate of absorption
absorption of nutrients
total absorption
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Word forms
- Plural
- absorptions
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The dark tiles increase heat _____ in the room.
Etymology
From Latin absorptio, "a sucking in," based on absorbeo, "to absorb."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for absorption
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for absorption →
Frequently asked questions
What does “absorption” mean?
The word “absorption” means the process of taking in and incorporating a substance, such as light, heat, or liquid. In plain terms, the process of soaking something up — light, heat, nutrients — or being completely engrossed mentally.
How do you pronounce “absorption”?
“Absorption” is pronounced uhb-ZAWP-shn (/æbˈsɔɹp.ʃn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “absorption” in a sentence?
Here is “absorption” used in a sentence: “The dark tiles increase heat absorption in the room.”
What part of speech is “absorption”?
“Absorption” is a noun.
Where does the word “absorption” come from?
The word “absorption” comes from Latin. From Latin absorptio, "a sucking in," based on absorbeo, "to absorb.".
Is “absorption” a common word?
“Absorption” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “absorption” have?
“Absorption” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the process of taking in and incorporating a substance, such as light, heat, or liquid.
What is the difference between absorption and engrossment?
Absorption and engrossment can both describe total attention being given to something, and in that sense they are near-synonyms. Absorption additionally has a separate, more literal meaning describing the physical process of taking in a substance such as light, heat, or liquid, which engrossment does not share.
What is the difference between absorption and adsorption?
Absorption means a substance is taken into and incorporated throughout another material, such as a sponge absorbing water. Adsorption, by contrast, refers to a substance sticking only to the surface of another material rather than being taken in through it; the two terms describe distinct physical processes despite the similar spelling.
Can absorption describe a mental state as well as a physical process?
Yes, absorption has a second meaning describing complete engrossment of someone's attention or interest, such as being deeply absorbed in a book. This mental sense exists alongside its more literal, physical meaning.
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