uptake

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical · Academic

n. the process of a body or plant taking in a substance like food or oxygen.

n. the process by which an organism or cell absorbs a substance, such as a nutrient or a drug.

“The doctor is worried about the patient's low oxygen uptake.”

“Researchers are investigating how soil acidity affects the uptake of essential minerals by cereal crops in sub-Saharan Africa.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Academic

n. the number of people who start using a new service or technology.

n. the rate or degree to which a new product, service, or idea is accepted and used by a population.

“The uptake of the new vaccine has been higher than the government expected.”

“Despite an aggressive marketing campaign, the initial uptake of the digital banking platform remained disappointing among older demographics.”

C1 · Advanced Science Technical

v. to take in or absorb a substance.

v. to absorb or incorporate a substance into a biological or mechanical system.

“Plants uptake carbon dioxide from the air during the day.”

“The study measured how efficiently the synthetic membrane could uptake heavy metals from contaminated industrial wastewater.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Technical

n. a pipe that carries smoke or steam upwards to a chimney.

n. a vertical pipe or flue that carries smoke or hot gases upward from a boiler or furnace.

“The engineer inspected the uptake to ensure the steam was venting correctly.”

“In older steamship designs, the uptake was a critical component for directing exhaust gases from the boiler room to the funnel.”