Adsorb
/ædˈzɔrb/verb
To attract and hold particles of a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid on a surface.
Activated charcoal can adsorb impurities from water.
Usage tips
Neutral
adsorbent material, adsorbent surface, adsorption process
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/2Scientific Context
In scientific discussions, 'adsorb' is often used to describe specific behaviors at molecular levels.
When discussing chemistry, it's important to distinguish between adsorb and absorb.
Pro Tip 2/2Metaphoric Use
The concept can apply metaphorically when discussing how ideas 'stick' in our minds.
In discussions about learning, one might say students adsorb knowledge over time.
Compare with
absorptiveadherecontaminate
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