— imbiber , n.
/im buyb"/ , v. , imbibed, imbibing .
v.t.
1. to consume (liquids) by drinking; drink: He imbibed great quantities of iced tea.
2. to absorb or soak up, as water, light, or heat: Plants imbibe moisture from the soil.
3. to take or receive into the mind, as knowledge, ideas, or the like: to imbibe a sermon; to imbibe beautiful scenery.
v.i.
4. to drink, esp. alcoholic beverages: Just a soft drink for me - I don't imbibe.
5. to absorb liquid or moisture.
6. Archaic. to soak or saturate; imbue.
[ 1350-1400; imbibere to drink in, equiv. to im- IM- 1 + bibere to drink; r. ME enbiben embiber ]
Syn. 1. swallow. See drink .