absorption

noun

ab·​sorp·​tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən How to pronounce absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
1
a
: the process of absorbing something or of being absorbed
absorption of water
compare adsorption
b
: interception of radiant energy or sound waves
2
: entire occupation of the mind
his absorption in his work
absorptive
əb-ˈsȯrp-tiv How to pronounce absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
adjective

Examples of absorption in a Sentence

forgot to return the phone call due to his absorption in setting up the new computer system
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Wells Fargo reported that for the first time since 2022, office net absorption — an industry metric used to determine the change in occupied space — turned positive, with over 2 million square feet taken up during the three-month period. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2024 Despite having such a slim design, these insoles still provide a lot of cushioning and shock absorption. Shannon Ullman, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024 This test reveals various aspects of the human body that can impact health, including metabolism, exercise response, and nutrient absorption. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2024 There is an absorption of nationalism critique, in this way of thinking, a strike against nihilism. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for absorption 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Late Latin; French, borrowed from Late Latin absorptiōn-, absorptiō, from absorbēre "to absorb" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of absorption was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near absorption

Cite this Entry

“Absorption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absorption. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

absorption

noun
ab·​sorp·​tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən How to pronounce absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
1
: the process of absorbing or being absorbed: as
a
: the passing of digested food through the wall of the intestines into the blood or lymph
b
: the stopping and taking in especially of radiant energy or sound waves
2
: entire occupation of the mind
absorptive
-ˈsȯrp-tiv How to pronounce absorption (audio)
-ˈzȯrp-
adjective

Medical Definition

absorption

noun
ab·​sorp·​tion əb-ˈsȯrp-shən, -ˈzȯrp- How to pronounce absorption (audio)
1
: the process of absorbing or of being absorbed
absorption of nourishment in the small intestine
compare adsorption
2
: interception of radiant energy or sound waves

Legal Definition

absorption

noun
ab·​sorp·​tion
: the application to the states of rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution
while Powell [v. Alabama] was sometimes described as having absorbed the right to counsel, the Court there clearly limited any such absorptionW. R. LaFave and J. H. Israel

More from Merriam-Webster on absorption

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