# absorbancy

CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/absorbancy
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the ability of a material to take in and hold liquid or gas. You use this word to describe how well a sponge or a paper towel works.

For teachers: the capacity of a material to take in and retain a liquid or gas. Often used in technical contexts to describe the physical properties of porous substances.

## Examples

- The paper towel has high absorbancy.
- Engineers tested the new fabric for its absorbancy to ensure it could handle heavy rain without leaking.
- The soil's low absorbancy meant that the irrigation system had to be adjusted to prevent water from pooling on the surface before it could reach the roots.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.