absorbent

adjective
ab·​sor·​bent | \ əb-ˈsȯr-bənt How to pronounce absorbent (audio) , -ˈzȯr-\
variants: or less commonly absorbant

Definition of absorbent

: able to absorb as absorbent as a sponge

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Other Words from absorbent

absorbent or less commonly absorbant noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for absorbent

Synonyms

bibulous, spongy, thirsty

Antonyms

nonabsorbent

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Examples of absorbent in a Sentence

highly absorbent material that is really good for wiping off automobiles

Recent Examples on the Web

Also, the absorbent bamboo material can soften, warp, and crack if left soaking in liquid. 5. Elinor Aspegren, USA TODAY, "Plastic straws are trash. Are there alternatives that don't suck?," 16 Aug. 2019 Your Scalp—and Your Nose—is to Blame The scalp is considered as the most absorbent part of the body, meaning potentially dangerous hair care ingredients could end up in the bloodstream. Olivia Fleming, Harper's BAZAAR, "Clean Hair Care Is Hard—But Not Impossible," 12 Aug. 2019 Period panties, like these created by Thinx, are absorbent and moisture-wicking. Nina Avramova, CNN, "There's an effective, environmentally friendly option for people with periods, and few know about it, research says," 16 July 2019 Made in Turkey of 100% natural cotton, the ponchos are lightweight, soft and ultra-absorbent. Jean Chen Smith, Cincinnati.com, "Top 10 summer trends for 2019, from fashion to furniture," 1 July 2019 The option for an absorbent tea towel versus a paper towel is appealing. Washington Post, "Quirky, nostalgic, practical: Tea towels make a splash," 4 June 2019 Meanwhile, countless acres of urban pavement have replaced absorbent soil. Boyce Upholt, Time, "The Mississippi River Is Under Control—For Now," 9 May 2019 Pick something that’s durable and absorbent, such as wool. Helen Carefoot, Washington Post, "Fixes for your tragic rental bathroom that don’t involve construction," 18 July 2019 In this regard as in much else Tippett had one of those minds that are almost fatally absorbent. Douglas Murray, National Review, "Michael Tippett’s ‘Timeless Music in Time’," 11 July 2019

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

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First Known Use of absorbent

1694, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for absorbent

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

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More Definitions for absorbent

absorbent

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of absorbent

: able to take in and hold liquid : able to absorb liquid

absorbent

adjective
ab·​sor·​bent | \ əb-ˈsȯr-bənt How to pronounce absorbent (audio) , -ˈzȯr-\

Kids Definition of absorbent

: able to draw in or soak up absorbent paper towels

absorbent

adjective
ab·​sor·​bent
variants: also absorbant \ -​bənt How to pronounce absorbant (audio) \

Medical Definition of absorbent

: able to absorb absorbent gauze

Other Words from absorbent

absorbent also absorbant noun

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