absorption

plural absorptions

1. countableuncountableThe act or process of absorbing or of being absorbed as,

   The sponge showed remarkable absorption of water.

   2 more examples

   Plants rely on the absorption of sunlight for photosynthesis.

   His complete absorption in the novel made him lose track of time.

   1. countableobsoleteuncountableengulfing; swallowing up, as of bodies or land.First known use Attested from the late 16ᵗʰ century until the mid 18ᵗʰ century.
   2. countableuncountableassimilation; incorporation.First known use First attested in the mid 18ᵗʰ century.

      the absorption of bodies in a whirlpool

      1 more example

      the absorption of a smaller tribe into a larger

   3. countablephysicaluncountablechemistrythe imbibing or reception by molecular or chemical action, of radiant energy; the process of being neutrons being absorbed by the nucleus; interception.First known use First attested in the mid 18ᵗʰ century.

      the absorption of light, heat, electricity, etc.

   4. countableuncountableclimatologyThe process in which incident radiant energy is retained by a substance (such as an air mass) by conversion to some other form of energy (such as heat).
   5. countableuncountablemedicinein 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 known use First attested in the mid 18ᵗʰ century.
2. countableuncountableEntire engrossment or occupation of the mind.First known use First attested in the mid 19ᵗʰ century.

   absorption in some employment

   1 more example

   A complete absorption testified their breathless interest.

   1934, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], The Bravo of London

3. countableuncountableMental assimilation.First known use First attested in the mid 20ᵗʰ century.
4. countableuncountablebusinessThe retaining of electrical energy for a short time after it has been introduced to the dielectric.