# absorptive

CEFR C1 · Adjective

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

## Definition

describing something that takes in or holds onto a substance, like a sponge taking in water.

For teachers: capable of taking in or holding onto a substance, such as a liquid or gas. Often used in technical contexts to describe materials or biological processes.

## Examples

- The soil has an absorptive quality that helps it hold water.
- The new fabric is highly absorptive, making it ideal for athletic wear that needs to wick away sweat.
- The lining of the small intestine is covered in villi to maximize its absorptive surface area, allowing for the efficient uptake of nutrients from the digestive tract.

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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.