adsorb

[ ad-sawrb, -zawrb ]

/ ædˈsɔrb, -ˈzɔrb /

verb (used with object) Physical Chemistry.

to gather (a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance) on a surface in a condensed layer: Charcoal will adsorb gases.

Nearby words

adscititious, adscript, adscription, adsl, adson's test, adsorb, adsorbate, adsorbent, adsorption, adsorption theory of narcosis, adst. feb.

Origin of adsorb

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

Related forms

ad·sorb·a·ble, adjectivead·sorb·a·bil·i·ty, nounad·sorb·ent, adjective, nounad·sorp·tion

[ad-sawrp-shuh n, -zawrp-] /ædˈsɔrp ʃən, -ˈzɔrp-/, noun

ad·sorp·tive, adjectivead·sorp·tive·ly, adverb

Can be confused

absorb adsorb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for adsorption

Like all electrolytes its presence decreases the adsorption of chromic acid.
Animal Proteins|Hugh Garner Bennett
The selective action is known as adsorption and is most noticeable in highly plastic clays.
The Natural History of Clay|Alfred B. Searle
This adsorption, which is after all only an equilibrium, is reduced by introducing another very strong adsorbent.
Animal Proteins|Hugh Garner Bennett
These acids also probably cause increase of adsorption of tannin by the hide and therefore assist in giving "good weight."
Animal Proteins|Hugh Garner Bennett

Further, the electric charge may be reduced also by causing the adsorption of an ion of opposite charge.
Animal Proteins|Hugh Garner Bennett

British Dictionary definitions for adsorption

adsorb

/ (ədˈsɔːb, -ˈzɔːb) /

verb

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 thickto adsorb hydrogen on nickel; oxygen adsorbs on tungsten Compare absorb (def. 8)

Derived Forms

adsorbable, adjectiveadsorbability, nounadsorption, noun

Word Origin for adsorb

C19: ad- + -sorb as in absorb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for adsorption (1 of 2)

adsorption

[ ăd-zôrp′shən ]

n.

The property of a solid or liquid to attract and hold to its surface a gas, liquid, solute, or suspension.

Medicine definitions for adsorption (2 of 2)

adsorb

[ ăd-zôrb′ ]

v.

To take up by adsorption.

Science definitions for adsorption

adsorption

[ ăd-sôrp′shən ]

The process by which molecules of a substance, such as a gas or a liquid, collect on the surface of another substance, such as a solid. The molecules are attracted to the surface but do not enter the solid's minute spaces as in absorption. Some drinking water filters consist of carbon cartridges that adsorb contaminants. Compare absorption.

Culture definitions for adsorption

adsorption

The assimilation of a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance by the surface of a solid.