resorb

verb

re·​sorb (ˌ)rē-ˈsȯrb 

-ˈzȯrb

resorbed; resorbing; resorbs

transitive verb

1

: to swallow or suck in again

2

: to break down and assimilate the components of

resorb bone

intransitive verb

: to undergo resorption

Examples of resorb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The devices are also far more advanced than proof-of-concept stage; the Northwestern device, a transient bandage that uses electrotherapy to both monitor and heal diabetic wounds, is resorbed into the body. —IEEE Spectrum, 22 Apr. 2023

The zoo said that scientists do not fully understand why some mammals resorb fetuses. —Aimee Ortiz, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2020

Particularly porous soils can resorb up to a foot of water a day. —Megan Molteni, WIRED, 23 Apr. 2018

But what happens is, a gene turns on — at least this is our hypothesis — that actually resorbs the tail, gets rid of it, during embryo genesis. —Kim Zetter, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2011

Word History

Etymology

Latin resorbēre, from re- + sorbēre to suck up — more at absorb

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Medical Definition

resorb

transitive verb

re·​sorb (ˈ)rē-ˈsȯ(ə)rb  -ˈzȯ(ə)rb 

: to break down and assimilate the components of (as bone)

New bone is continually formed and existing bone continually resorbed throughout life, but peak bone mass is reached at about age 30–35.

—Linda Gannon, Women & Health

intransitive verb

: to undergo resorption

Normally, as permanent teeth develop and prepare to erupt, the roots of the primary teeth over them dissolve, or resorb.

—Jack Klatell et al., The Mount Sinai Medical Center Family Guide to Dental Health

resorbable

-ˈsȯ(ə)r-bə-bəl  -ˈzȯ(ə)r- 

adjective

resorbable sutures