adsorb

American  

[ad-sawrb, -zawrb] / ædˈsɔrb, -ˈzɔrb /

verb (used with object)

Physical Chemistry.

1. to gather (a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance) on a surface in a condensed layer.

   Charcoal will adsorb gases.

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adsorb British  

/ ədˈsɔːb, -ˈzɔːb /

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which a substance, usually a gas, accumulates on the surface of a solid forming a thin film, often only one molecule thick Compare absorb

   to adsorb hydrogen on nickel

   oxygen adsorbs on tungsten

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• adsorbable
  adjective
• adsorptive
  adjective
• adsorbability
  noun
• adsorptively
  adverb
• adsorption
  noun
• adsorbent
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of adsorb

First recorded in 1880–85; ad- + (ab)sorb

Example Sentences

This process can reduce the ability of the metal to adsorb molecules like H2 and CO.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

First they used classical computers to model how molecules adsorb and desorb from catalyst particles; then they applied their quantum computer to identify the most likely reaction pathway of the electrons and protons involved.

From Science Magazine • May 30, 2024

This unique property enables the catalyst to adsorb more reactants, facilitating an accelerated urea oxidation reaction.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2024

Finally, it will be run through huge tanks of granular activated carbon, which will adsorb any residual hydrogen peroxide and remove other harmful compounds.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2022

Such ‘breathing’ and ‘gating’ may make it easier, or harder, than expected for a synthesized MOF to adsorb a chemical.

From Nature