əbˈsȯrpshən, ab-, -ˈz-, -ȯ(ə)p- noun
( -s )
Etymology: French & Latin; French, from Latin absorption-, absorptio, from absorptus (past participle of absorbēre to absorb) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at absorb
1. : the process of absorbing or of being absorbed: as
a. obsolete : a swallowing up or engulfing (as of land due to subterranean movements)
b. : assimilation , incorporation
absorption of immigrants
absorption of one railroad by another
c. : a taking up by capillary, osmotic, chemical, or solvent action
absorption of moisture from the air
absorption of gas by water
absorption of nourishment in the small intestine
absorption by plant roots of nutrients from the soil solution
— distinguished from adsorption ; compare sorption
d. : interception especially of light or sound waves
the light of an average star in the Milky Way band … was dimmed through interstellar absorption — B.J.Bok
high absorption of certain types of wallboard
2. : entire occupation of the mind
absorption in his employment
3. : the retention of electric polarization by some dielectrics for a measurable time after an exciting field has been removed — called also dielectric absorption
4. : the assumption by a freight carrier of special charges (as for switching) assessed by another carrier usually without increasing the rate charged the shipper
5. : reduction of power of radio waves through dissipation (as in the atmosphere) — compare attenuation 4