v.
Pronunciation: ə b- ' so ̇ rb, - ' zo ̇ rb
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Anglo-French asorbir to swallow up, from Latin absorb ē re, from ab- + sorb ē re 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 \ ə b- ˌ so ̇ r-b ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē , - ˌ zo ̇ r- \ noun
– ab · sorb · able \ ə b- ' so ̇ r-b ə -b ə l, - ' zo ̇ r- \ adjective
– ab · sorb · er noun