Adsorb vs. Absorb

Adsorbverb

To accumulate on a surface, by adsorption

Adsorbverb

to attract and bind (molecules of a substance in a fluid) so as to form a thin layer on the surface, by non-electrostatic forces; to bind by adsorption. Distinguished from absorb, in which the foreign substance penetrates the body of the absorbing material.

Adsorbverb

accumulate (liquids or gases) on the surface

Adsorbverb

(of a solid) hold (molecules of a gas or liquid or solute) as a thin film on the outside surface or on internal surfaces within the material

Absorbverb

(transitive) To include so that it no longer has separate existence; to overwhelm; to cause to disappear as if by swallowing up; to incorporate; to assimilate; to take in and use up.

Absorbverb

To engulf, as in water; to swallow up.

Absorbverb

(transitive) To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe, like a sponge or as the lacteals of the body; to chemically take in.

Absorbverb

To take in energy and convert it, as

Absorbverb

in receiving a physical impact or vibration without recoil.

Absorbverb

in receiving sound energy without repercussion or echo.

Absorbverb

taking in radiant energy and converting it to a different form of energy, like heat.

Absorbverb

(transitive) To engross or engage wholly; to occupy fully

Absorbverb

(transitive) To occupy or consume time.

Absorbverb

(transitive) Assimilate mentally.

Absorbverb

To assume or pay for as part of a commercial transaction.

Absorbverb

(transitive) To defray the costs.

Absorbverb

(transitive) To accept or purchase in quantity.

Absorbverb

To swallow up; to engulf; to overwhelm; to cause to disappear as if by swallowing up; to use up; to include.

Absorbverb

To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe; as a sponge or as the lacteals of the body.

Absorbverb

To engross or engage wholly; to occupy fully; as, absorbed in study or the pursuit of wealth.

Absorbverb

To take up by cohesive, chemical, or any molecular action, as when charcoal absorbs gases. So heat, light, and electricity are absorbed or taken up in the substances into which they pass.

Absorbverb

become imbued;

Absorbverb

take up mentally;

Absorbverb

take up, as of debts or payments;

Absorbverb

take in, also metaphorically;

Absorbverb

cause to become one with;

Absorbverb

suck or take up or in;

Absorbverb

engross (oneself) fully;

Absorbverb

assimilate or take in;

Absorbverb

engage or engross wholly;

Absorbverb

take in or soak up (energy or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action

Absorbverb

take in and understand fully (information, ideas, or experience)

Absorbverb

take control of (a smaller or less powerful entity) and make it a part of a larger one

Absorbverb

use or take up (time or resources)

Absorbverb

take up and reduce the effect or intensity of (sound or an impact)

Absorbverb

take up the attention of (someone); interest greatly