/ ədˈsɔːb; -ˈzɔːb; NAmE -ˈzɔːrb; -ˈsɔːrb/ verb
[ vn ] ( technical ) if sth adsorbs a liquid, gas or other substance, it holds it on its surface :
The dye is adsorbed onto the fibre.
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WORD ORIGIN
late 19th cent.: blend of ad- (expressing adherence) + absorb .