1 absorbance | Definition of absorbance
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absorbance

noun
ab·​sor·​bance | \ É™b-ˈsȯr-bÉ™n(t)s How to pronounce absorbance (audio) , -ˈzȯr-\

Definition of absorbance

: the ability of a layer of a substance to absorb radiation expressed mathematically as the negative common logarithm of transmittance

Examples of absorbance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 For example, the galaxy's signal tends to be a cluster of individual absorbance and emissions lines, rather than a smooth spectrum. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, "Simple telescope picks up hint of the Universe’s first stars, dark matter," 28 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'absorbance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of absorbance

1893, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for absorbance

absorb + -ance

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More Definitions for absorbance

absorbance

noun
ab·​sor·​bance | \ É™b-ˈsȯr-bÉ™n(t)s How to pronounce absorbance (audio) , -ˈzȯr- How to pronounce absorbance (audio) \

Medical Definition of absorbance

: the ability of a solution or a layer of a substance to absorb radiation that is expressed mathematically as the negative common logarithm of the transmittance of the substance or solution

— called also optical density

More from Merriam-Webster on absorbance

Nglish: Translation of absorbance for Spanish Speakers

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