ABSORB


Meaning of ABSORB in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ əb-ˈsȯrb, -ˈzȯrb ]

transitive verb

Etymology: Anglo-French asorbir to swallow up, from Latin absorbēre, from ab- + sorbēre to suck up; akin to Lithuanian surbti to sip, Greek rophein to gulp down

Date: 15th century

1. : to take in and make part of an existent whole

the capacity of China to absorb invaders

2.

a. : to suck up or take up

a sponge absorb s water

charcoal absorb s gas

plant roots absorb water

b. : to take in : acquire , learn

convictions absorb ed in youth — M. R. Cohen

c. : use up , consume

the fever absorb ed her strength

3. : to engage or engross wholly

absorb ed in thought

4.

a.

(1) : to receive without recoil or echo

provided with a sound- absorbing surface

(2) : endure , sustain

absorb ing hardships

(3) : assume , bear

the expenses were absorb ed by the company

b. : to transform (radiant energy) into a different form especially with a resulting rise in temperature

the earth absorb s the sun's rays

• ab·sorb·abil·i·ty əb-ˌsȯr-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē, -ˌzȯr- noun

• ab·sorb·able əb-ˈsȯr-bə-bəl, -ˈzȯr- adjective

• ab·sorb·er noun

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.