absorption

Everyday

1. The taking in of a liquid, gas, heat or light by something: a sponge's absorption of water. tree →
2. (science) The way food or medicine passes into the body or blood: absorption of food in the gut. tree →
3. Being completely interested in something: her absorption in the book. tree →

In the lessons

In science it describes how sponges, paper towels and soil soak up water, how dark colours take in heat and light, and how the small intestine takes in food. Experiments compare the absorption of different materials. Phrases: absorption of water, rate of absorption, total absorption in.

Examples

• We tested the absorption of three kinds of paper towel. tree →
• Black clothes have high absorption of the sun's heat. tree →
• The absorption of food happens mostly in the small intestine. tree →
• Plant roots take in water by absorption. tree →
• Her absorption in the puzzle meant she did not hear the bell. tree →
• Paper towel A soaked up 30 ml and B soaked up 45 ml, so B had better absorption. tree →
• Sand has fast absorption of rainwater. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Spelling trap: absorption with a p, though the verb is absorb with a b. Do not confuse with "adsorption" (sticking onto a surface). In experiments, more absorption means more liquid taken in per amount of material.