Definitions for: Absorption


[n] the mental state of being preoccupied by something
[n] complete attention; intense mental effort
[n] (chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid
[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"
[n] the process of absorbing nutrients into the body after digestion
[n] the social process of absorbing one cultural group into harmony with another



Webster (1913) Definition: Ab*sorp"tion, n. [L. absorptio, fr. absorbere. See
Absorb.]
1. The act or process of absorbing or sucking in anything, or
of being absorbed and made to disappear; as, the
absorption of bodies in a whirlpool, the absorption of a
smaller tribe into a larger.

2. (Chem. & Physics) An imbibing or reception by molecular or
chemical action; as, the absorption of light, heat,
electricity, etc.

3. (Physiol.) In living organisms, the process by which the
materials of growth and nutrition are absorbed and
conveyed to the tissues and organs.

4. Entire engrossment or occupation of the mind; as,
absorption in some employment.

Synonyms: assimilation, concentration, engrossment, immersion, preoccupancy, preoccupation, soaking up

See Also: absentmindedness, abstractedness, abstraction, action, activity, Americanisation, Americanization, attention, biological process, centering, cognitive state, direction, Europeanisation, Europeanization, extinction, focus, focusing, focussing, imbibition, malabsorption, natural action, natural process, organic process, social process, sorption, specialism, state of mind, study, Westernisation, Westernization

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