absorbent

adjective

ab·​sor·​bent əb-ˈsȯr-bənt How to pronounce absorbent (audio)
-ˈzȯr-
variants or less commonly absorbant
: able to absorb
as absorbent as a sponge
absorbent noun
or less commonly absorbant

Examples of absorbent in a Sentence

highly absorbent material that is really good for wiping off automobiles
Recent Examples on the Web But Take Note With very full diapers, the absorbent material can make the diaper very heavy. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 10 Mar. 2024 The trick to making a city more absorbent is to add more gardens and other green spaces that allow water to percolate into underlying aquifers—porous subterranean materials that can hold water—which a city can then draw from in times of need. Matt Simon, WIRED, 19 Feb. 2024 The chenille pad is super absorbent for tacking spills, and the microfiber pad removes dirt, dust, and other dry debris. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 24 Feb. 2024 The Turkish cotton material is extra soft against the skin, resistant to tearing, and absorbent. Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2024 Ensure all food and non food contact surfaces are smooth, non absorbent and easily cleanable. 35: Observed multiple personal drinks stored throughout the facility. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2024 The most absorbent towels are likely to be cotton, terry-cloth woven towels. Charlotte Observer, 25 Jan. 2024 Crafted from soft and absorbent materials, this bath mat keeps your feet comfortable and your bathroom floor dry. Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2024 Since charcoal is porous and absorbent, it’s expected to hold moisture and create habitat for microbes in the soil that help plants grow. Alix Soliman, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'absorbent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin absorbent-, absorbens, present participle of absorbēre "to absorb"

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absorbent was in 1694

Dictionary Entries Near absorbent

Cite this Entry

“Absorbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absorbent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

absorbent

adjective
ab·​sor·​bent əb-ˈsȯr-bənt How to pronounce absorbent (audio)
-ˈzȯr-
: able to absorb
as absorbent as a sponge
absorbency
əb-ˈsȯr-bən-sē
-ˈzȯr-
noun
absorbent noun

Medical Definition

absorbent

adjective
ab·​sor·​bent
variants also absorbant
: able to absorb
absorbent gauze
absorbent noun
also absorbant

More from Merriam-Webster on absorbent

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