a material having capacity or tendency to absorb another substance
"The spill was quickly contained by spreading old towels over the wet floor, as their highly absorbent fabric soaked up all the liquid."
Anything which absorbs.
"The old paper towels were so absorbent that they soaked up the entire spill in seconds."
having power or capacity or tendency to absorb or soak up something (liquids or energy etc.)
"as absorbent as a sponge"
Having the ability or tendency to absorb; able to soak up liquid easily; absorptive.
"The kitchen mat is made of a highly absorbent material that instantly soaks up spills before they reach the floor."
The word comes from the Latin absorbēns, which is the present active participle of absorbeō. Its original meaning was "to absorb."