noun

adsorption

ad-SORP-shuhn

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Adsorption (noun) means the process by which a thin layer of liquid or gas sticks to the surface of a solid. Example: “The filter works through adsorption of impurities onto activated carbon.”

noun

scientific The process by which a thin layer of liquid or gas sticks to the surface of a solid.

"The filter works through adsorption of impurities onto activated carbon."

"Adsorption of the gas increased as the pressure rose."

"Scientists measured the rate of adsorption on the metal surface."

How to use adsorption

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWhen a gas or liquid clings to the outside surface of a solid rather than soaking into it.

When to use it

This is a technical term from chemistry and materials science, rarely used outside scientific contexts.

Memory tip

Adsorption and absorption are easy to mix up in speech, so it helps to picture adsorption as sticking to a surface, with the letter d for describing a surface.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

absorption →

Common pairings

adsorption onto a surface rate of adsorption adsorption process gas adsorption

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “adsorption” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The filter works through _____ of impurities onto activated carbon.

Etymology

Adsorption was borrowed from German Adsorption, itself formed from the prefix ad- attached to (Ab)sorption.

Origin: German

Rhymes for adsorption

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

See all rhymes for adsorption →

Frequently asked questions

What does adsorption mean?

It describes a liquid or gas sticking to the surface of a solid and forming a thin film there, rather than being taken into it.

What is the difference between adsorption and absorption?

Adsorption involves a substance sticking to a surface, while absorption involves a substance being drawn into the body of a material; the two are commonly confused because they sound alike.

What is the opposite of adsorption?

The opposite process, in which a substance leaves a surface it was stuck to, is called desorption.

What is the meaning of adsorption?

"adsorption" (noun) means the process by which a thin layer of liquid or gas sticks to the surface of a solid.