absorption

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun (chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid
noun (physics) the process in which incident radiated energy is retained without reflection or transmission on passing through a medium
noun the social process of absorbing one cultural group into harmony with another

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

Ultimate Salvation Transmigration Absorption IX. — India, Its Life and Thought, John P. (John Peter) Jones
"The poison is slow of absorption. — Tales of Terror and Mystery, Arthur Conan Doyle
It was a familiarity of absorption. — Erik Dorn, Ben Hecht

soaking up

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