absorbent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a material having capacity or tendency to absorb another substance
    absorbent material.
  2. adjective having power or capacity or tendency to absorb or soak up something (liquids or energy etc.)
    absorptive.
    • as absorbent as a sponge

WordNet

Ab*sorb"ent adjective
Etymology
L. absorbens, p. pr. of absorbere.
Definitions
  1. Absorbing; swallowing; absorptive.
Ab*sorb"ent noun
Definitions
  1. Anything which absorbs.
    The ocean, itself a bad absorbent of heat. Darwin.
  2. (Med.) 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.
  3. pl. (Physiol.) The vessels by which the processes of absorption are carried on, as the lymphatics in animals, the extremities of the roots in plants.

Webster 1913