absorption

/əbˈzɔrpʃən/

/əbˈzɔpʃən/

Other forms: absorptions

Absorption describes the process of absorbing or soaking up something: Sponges are good at water absorption; dark colors are better for heat absorption.

Because the words absorption and absorb are so closely related, there's a tendency for people to try to spell absorption with a second B instead of a P, but don't fall for it. Remembering the correct spelling is going to take total absorption in studying — meaning you'll have to be totally focused and occupied with learning it.

Definitions of absorption

1. noun

   (chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid
   synonyms: soaking up

   types:

   imbibition

   (chemistry) the absorption of a liquid by a solid or gel

   type of:

   sorption

   the process in which one substance takes up or holds another (by either absorption or adsorption)
2. noun

   (physics) the process in which incident radiated energy is retained without reflection or transmission on passing through a medium
   “the absorption of photons by atoms or molecules”

   type of:

   action, activity, natural action, natural process

   a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings)
3. noun

   the mental state of being preoccupied by something
   synonyms: engrossment, preoccupancy, preoccupation

   types:

   abstractedness, abstraction

   preoccupation with something to the exclusion of all else

   absentmindedness

   preoccupation so great that the ordinary demands on attention are ignored

   reverie, revery

   an abstracted state of absorption

   type of:

   cognitive state, state of mind

   the state of a person's cognitive processes
4. noun

   complete attention; intense mental effort
   synonyms: concentration, engrossment, immersion

   types:

   centering, direction, focal point, focus, focusing, focussing

   the concentration of attention or energy on something

   specialism

   the concentration of your efforts on a particular field of study or occupation

   study

   a state of deep mental absorption

   particularism

   a focus on something particular

   type of:

   attention

   the faculty or power of mental concentration
5. noun

   the process of absorbing nutrients into the body after digestion
   synonyms: assimilation

   types:

   anabolism, constructive metabolism

   the synthesis in living organisms of more complex substances (e.g., living tissue) from simpler ones together with the storage of energy

   malabsorption

   abnormal absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract

   type of:

   biological process, organic process

   a process occurring in living organisms
6. noun

   the social process of absorbing one cultural group into harmony with another
   synonyms: assimilation

   types:

   Americanisation, Americanization

   assimilation into American culture

   Anglicisation, Anglicization

   the act of anglicizing; making English in appearance

   Europeanisation, Europeanization

   assimilation into European culture

   Westernisation, Westernization, westernization

   assimilation of Western culture; the social process of becoming familiar with or converting to the customs and practices of Western civilization

   type of:

   social process

   a process involved in the formation of groups of persons