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absorption

Absorption describes the process of absorbing or soaking up something: Sponges are good at water absorption; dark colors are better for heat absorption.

Because the words absorption and absorb are so closely related, there's a tendency for people to try to spell absorption with a second B instead of a P, but don't fall for it. Remembering the correct spelling is going to take total absorption in studying — meaning you'll have to be totally focused and occupied with learning it.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: absorption

1
 n
(chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid
2
 n
the mental state of being preoccupied by something
3
 n
the process of absorbing nutrients into the body after digestion
4
 n
the social process of absorbing one cultural group into harmony with another
FULL DEFINITIONS OF: absorption
1

n (chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid

Synonyms:
soaking up
Types:
imbibition
(chemistry) the absorption of a liquid by a solid or gel
Type of:
sorption
the process in which one substance takes up or holds another (by either absorption or adsorption)

n (physics) the process in which incident radiated energy is retained without reflection or transmission on passing through a medium

“the absorption of photons by atoms or molecules”
Type of:
action, activity, natural action, natural process
a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings)
2

n the mental state of being preoccupied by something

Synonyms:
engrossment, preoccupancy, preoccupation
Types:
abstractedness, abstraction
preoccupation with something to the exclusion of all else
absentmindedness
preoccupation so great that the ordinary demands on attention are ignored
reverie, revery
an abstracted state of absorption
Type of:
cognitive state, state of mind
the state of a person's cognitive processes

n complete attention; intense mental effort

Synonyms:
concentration, engrossment, immersion
Types:
show 4 types...
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centering, direction, focal point, focus, focusing, focussing
the concentration of attention or energy on something
specialism
the concentration of your efforts on a particular field of study or occupation
study
a state of deep mental absorption
particularism
a focus on something particular
Type of:
attention
the faculty or power of mental concentration
3

n the process of absorbing nutrients into the body after digestion

Synonyms:
assimilation
Types:
anabolism, constructive metabolism
the synthesis in living organisms of more complex substances (e.g., living tissue) from simpler ones together with the storage of energy
malabsorption
abnormal absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract
Type of:
biological process, organic process
a process occurring in living organisms
4

n the social process of absorbing one cultural group into harmony with another

Synonyms:
assimilation
Types:
show 4 types...
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Americanisation, Americanization
assimilation into American culture
Anglicisation, Anglicization
the act of anglicizing; making English in appearance
Europeanisation, Europeanization
assimilation into European culture
Westernisation, Westernization
assimilation of Western culture; the social process of becoming familiar with or converting to the customs and practices of Western civilization
Type of:
social process
a process involved in the formation of groups of persons
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