Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Absorption has 8 different meanings across 1 category:
(chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid
"The sponge quickly demonstrated its absorption capacity as it soaked up the spilled water."
(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"
the social process of absorbing one cultural group into harmony with another
"The rapid absorption of the immigrant community allowed their traditions to blend seamlessly with the local culture."
the process of absorbing nutrients into the body after digestion
"The small intestine is responsible for the absorption of nutrients from food before they enter the bloodstream."
complete attention; intense mental effort
"She was so absorbed in her book that she didn't hear anyone approach."
the mental state of being preoccupied by something
"She was in a deep absorption while reading her favorite book, completely unaware that everyone else had left the room."
The act or process of absorbing or of being absorbed as,
"The rapid absorption of water by the dry soil helped prevent flooding downstream."
engulfing; swallowing up, as of bodies or land.
"The massive tidal wave caused total absorption of the coastal village within seconds."
In plain English: Absorption is when something soaks up another substance, like a sponge taking in water.
"The rapid absorption of water by the sponge saved our carpet from getting soaked."
Usage: Absorption refers to the physical process where one substance takes in another, such as a sponge soaking up water. It is often confused with assimilation, which describes integrating new information into existing knowledge rather than physically taking it in.
The word absorption first appeared in English in 1597, coming from the Latin term absorptio, which means "a sucking in." It is derived from the Latin verb absorbeo.