adjective / noun

absorbent

ub-ZOR-bunt/əbˈzɔːrbənt/

Able to soak up liquid, or a material with this ability.

The absorbent towel quickly soaks up water from the counter.

A folded cotton towel soaks up a water spill, the darker damp edge extending into dry cloth and a few remaining drops nearby; accurate material contact, no lettering.

Etymology

abLatinaway, off

+sorbLatinsuck in

+entLatinpresent participle ending

The “away” and “suck in” pieces underlie the image of swallowing up. The participial ending describes something doing this, giving the adjective its sense of being capable of soaking up liquid.

In context

SafetyVideos.com11:00

soak up the liquid with an absorbent material like vermiculite or a spill pillow

OSHA Formaldehyde Training Video - [Standard 1910.1048]

More examples

The workers spread an absorbent over the spill.
Cotton is more absorbent than this synthetic fabric.
Keep a supply of absorbents near the workshop sink.

Forms

absorbent · absorbents · more absorbent · most absorbent

Similar words

porous: Has tiny spaces but does not necessarily soak up liquid.
spongy: Describes a soft, springy texture as well as absorbency.