ˌimbəˈbishən, -mˌbīˈbi- noun
( -s )
Etymology: in sense 1, from Middle English imbybycyon, from Middle French imbibition, from Latin imbibitus (past participle of imbibere ) + Middle French -ion; in other senses, from Latin imbibitus + English -ion
1. obsolete
a. : saturation with or solution in liquid
b. : mixture of solid and liquid by such imbibition
2. : the act or action of imbibing: as
a. : the taking up and sorption of fluid by a colloidal system resulting in swelling and offering a possible explanation of certain biological phenomena (as the retention of water by desert plants) — compare osmosis 1, syneresis 2
b. : imbibition process