absorption

The story

1. Proto-Indo-European*h₂ep
2. Proto-Indo-European*h₂epó
3. Proto-Italic*ap
4. Latinab
5. Latinab-
6. Proto-Indo-European*srebʰ-
7. Proto-Indo-European*srobʰéyeti
8. Proto-Italic*sorβeō
9. Latinsorbeō
10. Latinabsorbeō
11. Latinabsorptiō
12. English todayabsorption

First attested in 1597. From Latin absorptiō (“a sucking in”), from absorbeō (“absorb”). Morphologically absorb + -tion.

First known use, by meaning

• Attested from the late 16ᵗʰ century until the mid 18ᵗʰ century. engulfing; swallowing up, as of bodies or land.
• First attested in the mid 18ᵗʰ century. assimilation; incorporation.
• First attested in the mid 18ᵗʰ century. the imbibing or reception by molecular or chemical action, of radiant energy; the process of being neutrons being absorbed by the nucleus; interception.
• First attested in the mid 18ᵗʰ century. in living organisms, the process by which the materials of growth and nutrition are absorbed and conveyed to the tissues and organs; taking in by various means, such as by osmosis.
• First attested in the mid 19ᵗʰ century. Entire engrossment or occupation of the mind.
• First attested in the mid 20ᵗʰ century. Mental assimilation.