absorption
n. C / Un. the process of taking something in, like a sponge soaking up water or your body taking in nutrients. It can also mean being so interested in something that you give it all your attention.
n. the process by which one thing absorbs or is absorbed by another; the state of being deeply engaged or preoccupied. Uncountable for the abstract state of focus; countable when referring to specific physical processes.
The paper towel has a high rate of water absorption.
The skin's absorption of the medicine is much faster when the cream is applied to warm skin.
Her total absorption in the novel meant she didn't hear the doorbell ring, illustrating how a compelling narrative can effectively isolate a reader from their immediate environment.
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂epó Proto-Italic *ap Latin abder. Latin ab- Proto-Indo-European *srebʰ- Proto-Indo-European *-yeti Proto-Indo-European *-éyeti Proto-Indo-European *srobʰéyeti Proto-Italic *sorβeō Latin sorbeō Latin absorbeō Proto-Indo-European *-tisder. Proto-Italic *-tjō Latin -tiō Latin absorptiōder. English absorption First attested in 1597. From Latin absorptiō (“a sucking in”), from absorbeō (“absorb”). Morphologically absorb + -tion.
Often followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the substance or 'in' to indicate the activity.