adsorb

[ad-sawrb, -zawrb] /ædˈsɔrb, -ˈzɔrb/
verb (used with object), Physical Chemistry
1.
to gather (a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance) on a surface in a condensed layer:
Charcoal will adsorb gases.
Origin of adsorb
1880-85; ad- + (ab)sorb
Related forms
adsorbable, adjective
adsorbability, noun
adsorbent, adjective, noun
adsorption
[ad-sawrp-shuh n, -zawrp-] /ædˈsɔrp ʃən, -ˈzɔrp-/ (Show IPA), noun
adsorptive, adjective
adsorptively, adverb
Can be confused
absorb, adsorb.
British Dictionary definitions for adsorption

adsorb

/ədˈsɔːb; -ˈzɔːb/
verb
1.
to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which a substance, usually a gas, accumulates on the surface of a solid forming a thin film, often only one molecule thick: to adsorb hydrogen on nickel, oxygen adsorbs on tungsten Compare absorb (sense 8)
Derived Forms
adsorbable, adjective
adsorbability, noun
adsorption, noun
Word Origin
C19: ad- + -sorb as in absorb
Word Origin and History for adsorption

adsorb

v.

1882, transitive (intransitive use attested from 1919), back-formation from adsorption (1882), coined in German from ad- + -sorption, abstracted from absorption. See absorb. Related: Adsorbent; adsorption.

adsorption in Medicine

adsorption ad·sorp·tion (ād-sôrp'shən, -zôrp'-)
n.
The property of a solid or liquid to attract and hold to its surface a gas, liquid, solute, or suspension.

adsorb ad·sorb (ād-sôrb', -zôrb')
v. ad·sorbed, ad·sorb·ing, ad·sorbs
To take up by adsorption.

adsorption in Science
adsorption
  (ād-sôrp'shən)   

The process by which molecules of a substance, such as a gas or a liquid, collect on the surface of another substance, such as a solid. The molecules are attracted to the surface but do not enter the solid's minute spaces as in absorption. Some drinking water filters consist of carbon cartridges that adsorb contaminants. Compare absorption.
adsorption in Culture

adsorption definition


The assimilation of a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance by the surface of a solid.