Word
absorbent
Phoneticsab·sorbent
US/əbˈzɔɹbənt/
UK/ɐbsˈɔːbənt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a substance that can soak up and hold a lot of liquid or gas. You often see this in medical contexts when talking about materials that clean wounds.
n. a substance capable of taking in and retaining a large quantity of liquid or gas. Often used in technical or medical contexts to describe materials used for cleaning or filtration.
Examples
“The bandage is highly absorbent.”
“The surgeon used an absorbent gauze to soak up the blood and keep the surgical site clean.”
“In industrial applications, the absorbent material must be replaced frequently to ensure it continues to function effectively without becoming saturated and losing its structural integrity.”
Examples
simple
“The bandage is highly absorbent.”
contextual
“The surgeon used an absorbent gauze to soak up the blood and keep the surgical site clean.”
complex
“In industrial applications, the absorbent material must be replaced frequently to ensure it continues to function effectively without becoming saturated and losing its structural integrity.”
Real-World Examples
“From birth to age six, children have what Montessori calls the ‘Absorbent Mind’ – they effortlessly absorb so much from their surroundings,” she says.” “The Arctic is warming faster than the equator because the melting ice results in the surface being less reflective and instead, more absorbent of sunlight , which reinforces the warming effect, he says.” “Drain on absorbent towels, cool completely, and store in an airtight box for a few weeks.” “In the 1870s - the same decade that produced the telephone and the light bulb - the British Perforated Paper Company produced a kind of paper that was soft, strong, and absorbent.” Etymology
From Latin absorbēns, present active participle of absorbeō (“absorb”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/absorbent