I. -bənt adjective
Etymology: Latin absorbent-, absorbens, present participle of absorbēre to absorb — more at absorb
: having power, capacity, or tendency to absorb
as absorbent as a sponge
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a substance that absorbs (as starch in pharmaceutical compounds) : a means of absorption
surgical dressings used as absorbents
2. : a liquid (as a petroleum oil) used in separating gases or volatile substances (as gasoline) in gas manufacture and petroleum refining