absorbent

[ ab-sawr-buhnt, -zawr- ]

adjective

1. capable of absorbing heat, light, moisture, etc.; tending to absorb.

noun

1. something that absorbs:

   Tons of high-powered absorbents were needed to clean up the oil spill.

absorbent

/ -ˈzɔː-; əbˈsɔːbənt /

adjective

1. able to absorb

noun

1. a substance that absorbs

Derived Forms

• abˈsorbency, noun

Other Words From

• ab·sorben·cy noun
• nonab·sorben·cy noun
• nonab·sorbent adjective noun
• preab·sorbent adjective noun
• semi·ab·sorbent adjective
• unab·sorbent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of absorbent¹

First recorded in 1710–20, absorbent is from the Latin word absorbent- (stem of absorbēns, present participle of absorbēre ). See absorb, -ent

Example Sentences

It’s now possible to skin uphill with simple ball-and-socket “tech” bindings and then descend with shock-absorbent alpine bindings, without changing skis.

From Outside Online

That relative puffiness makes them extremely absorbent—ideal for wiping up spills and other messes.

From Popular-Science

If carpeting, carpet mats, fabric seats, or other types of absorbent materials are soaked in flood water before they were rescued, there are likely all sorts of organisms growing inside the cloth and foam.

From Popular-Science

Replacing insulation with less absorbent materials may avert the need for major renovations.

From Washington Post

Use them for some calligraphic details, floritures, or even for tracing—though you might want to stick to absorbent fiber papers for that.

From Popular-Science

There is a smell of death about him now; no hospital deodorants or rubber gloves or absorbent pads can take it away.

From The Daily Beast

Remove from oil and let cool on absorbent towels to remove excess grease and reserve.

From The Daily Beast

Can they forget the absorbent powers of carpet tissues, and the horrors of next morning to non-smokers, perhaps to ladies?

From Project Gutenberg

It is a useful absorbent of liquid manure, and may be advantageously added to the dung-heap for that purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

They heard that one country was in special need of stretchers, a second absorbent cotton, a third hospital gauze.

From Project Gutenberg

Such fixtures must be constructed of non-absorbent materials.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a solution is an absorbent of carbon monoxide; it also absorbs ethylene and acetylene.

From Project Gutenberg