absorption
UK: əbˈzɔːpʃn | US: əbˈzɔːrpʃn
n. the process of absorbing or being absorbed
n. (physics) the taking in of energy or particles by a substance
n. (chemistry) the penetration of one substance into another
The word "absorption" originates from Latin absorptio, derived from absorbere ("to swallow up"). The morpheme "ab-" means "away," and "sorb" comes from sorbere ("to suck"). Over time, the term evolved to describe the process of soaking up or taking in substances, energy, or attention. The suffix "-tion" nominalizes the action, turning it into a noun. The logic reflects a literal "sucking away" that broadened into scientific and metaphorical uses.
The absorption of nutrients occurs in the small intestine.
Dark colors have a higher absorption of light than light colors.
The sponge's absorption capacity makes it ideal for cleaning spills.
Her absorption in the book made her oblivious to the noise around her.
The absorption of small companies by larger corporations is common in this industry.