adsorbed; adsorbing; adsorbs

transitive verb

: to take up and hold by adsorption

Examples of adsorb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These little gunk-suckers are powered by salicylic acid to penetrate pimples and a hydrocolloid barrier to adsorb all the nasty stuff. Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 26 Oct. 2023 Short-path distillation utilizes heat and vacuum pressure to separate different compounds based on their boiling points, while column chromatography employs a stationary phase material that selectively adsorbs impurities. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from adsorption

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of adsorb was in 1809

Dictionary Entries Near adsorb

Cite this Entry

“Adsorb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adsorb. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

: to take up and hold or to become taken up by adsorption
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