# absorbent

/əbˈzɔɹbənt/ (US) · /ɐbsˈɔːbənt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.