1. (chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid
   "The experiment demonstrated the absorption of carbon dioxide by the solution"
    
2. (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"
    
3. The process of absorbing nutrients into the body after digestion
   "Proper absorption of vitamins is essential for maintaining good health";
   - assimilation
    
4. The social process of absorbing one cultural group into harmony with another
   "The absorption of immigrants into the local culture took place over several generations";
   - assimilation
    
5. Complete attention; intense mental effort
   "His absorption while solving the puzzle was impressive";
   - concentration, engrossment, immersion
    
6. The mental state of being preoccupied by something
   "Her absorption in the novel made her lose track of time";
   - preoccupation, preoccupancy, engrossment

Derived forms: absorptions

Type of: action, activity, attention, biological process, cognitive state, natural action, natural process, organic process, social process, sorption, state of mind

Part of: extinction

Encyclopedia: Absorption