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REFERENCE

absorption

n.
US //əbˈsɔɹpʃən// UK //ɐbsˈɔːpʃən// ab·sorp·tion
  1. 1 soaking up a substance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    the process of taking in a liquid, gas, or other substance.

    the process by which one substance, such as a solid or liquid, takes up another, such as a gas or liquid, throughout its bulk.

    Example

    The paper towel has a high rate of absorption for spills.

    Example

    The rate of nutrient absorption in the small intestine is critical for maintaining overall metabolic health.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
  2. 2 taking in energy (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    the way a surface or material takes in energy like light, heat, or sound.

    the process by which the energy of a photon or sound wave is taken up by matter, typically being transformed into internal energy.

    Example

    Darker colours increase the absorption of heat from the sun.

    Example

    The acoustic panels were designed specifically for the absorption of low-frequency sound waves to prevent echoes in the recording studio.
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  1. 3 mental focus (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the state of being so interested in something that you do not notice anything else.

    the state of being completely engrossed or occupied by a thought or activity.

    Example

    Her total absorption in the book meant she didn't hear the doorbell.

    Example

    His complete absorption in the research project led him to neglect his social obligations for several months.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is formal; in everyday conversation, learners might prefer 'lost in' or 'focused on'.
  2. 4 incorporating into a group (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    the process of a smaller group or company becoming part of a larger one.

    the process of incorporating or integrating a smaller entity into a larger one.

    Example

    The absorption of the small firm into the global corporation took two years.

    Example

    The successful absorption of the immigrant population into the local workforce required significant policy changes and community support.
Origin

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.

Word family

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