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September 10, 2018 Word of the Day

absorb /əbˈsoɚb/ verb
absorb
/əbˈsoɚb/
verb

absorbs; absorbed; absorbing

A tree absorbs water through its roots.
A tree absorbs water through its roots.
Definition of ABSORB

1 a : to take in (something, such as a liquid) in a natural or gradual way

  • Plant roots absorb moisture.

— often used as be absorbed

  • Water is absorbed by plants through their roots.

1 b : to draw in (heat, light, energy, etc.)

  • The walls are made of a material that absorbs sound.

2 a : to learn (something)

  • She is good at absorbing information/knowledge.

2 b : to take in and make (something) part of a larger group, country, etc.

  • a country that has absorbed many immigrants

3 : to take up the whole interest or attention of (someone)

  • His interest in photography absorbs him completely.

Note: If you are absorbed in something, you are fully involved in it.

  • He quickly found himself absorbed in [=engrossed by] the movie.

4 : to prevent (something harmful or unwanted) from passing through

  • The frame of the car absorbed the impact.

5 a : to accept or deal with (something that is difficult, harmful, etc.)

  • The expenses were absorbed [=borne] by his family.

5 b : to use up (something)

  • His work absorbs almost all of his time.

— absorbable əbˈsoɚbəbəl adjective [more absorbable; most absorbable]

  • nutrients absorbable by the body

— absorber noun, plural absorbers [count]

  • a moisture absorber

— absorbing adjective [more absorbing; most absorbing]

  • The book includes an absorbing [=engrossing, fascinating] account of her childhood.

— absorption əbˈsoɚpʃən noun [noncount]

  • the absorption of nutrients by the body

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