absorption

Etymology

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

noun

1. The act or process of absorbing or of being absorbed as,
   1. (obsolete) engulfing; swallowing up, as of bodies or land.
   2. assimilation; incorporation.
      the absorption of a smaller tribe into a larger
      the absorption of bodies in a whirlpool
   3. (chemistry, physics) the imbibing or reception by molecular or chemical action, of radiant energy; the process of being neutrons being absorbed by the nucleus; interception.
      the absorption of light, heat, electricity, etc.
   4. (meteorology) The 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. (physiology) 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.
2. Entire engrossment or occupation of the mind.
   absorption in some employment
3. Mental assimilation.
4. (electrical engineering) The retaining of electrical energy for a short time after it has been introduced to the dielectric.