ABSORBENT

absorbent

Noun

  1. Anything which absorbs. <ref name=SOED/>
  2. The vessels by which the processes of absorption are carried on, as the lymphatics in animals, the extremities of the roots in plants. <ref name=SOED/>
  3. Any substance which absorbs and neutralizes acid fluid in the stomach and bowels, as magnesia, chalk, etc.; also a substance, e.g., iodine, which acts on the absorbent vessels so as to reduce enlarged and indurated parts.
  4. A liquid used in the process of separating gases or volatile liquids, in oil refining.

Adjective

  1. Having the ability or tendency to absorb; able to soak up liquid easily; absorptive.
    Those paper towels were amazingly absorbent. That was quite a spill.


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