absorbent /ab·sor·bent/ (-sor´bent)
absorbent
absorbent [ab-sorb´ent]
absorbent (abzôrb´
nt),
1. able to take in, or suck up and incorporate.
2. a tissue structure involved in absorption.
3. a substance that absorbs or promotes absorption.
ab·sorb·ent ( b-zôr bnt)adj. Capable of absorption; able to absorb. ab·sorb ent n. |
absorbent
[absôr′bənt]
Etymology: L, absorbere, to suck up
1 capable of attracting and absorbing substances into itself.
2 a product or substance that can absorb liquids or gases.
absorbent [ab-sorb´ent]
1. able to take in, or suck up and incorporate.
2. a tissue structure involved in absorption.
3. a substance that absorbs or promotes absorption.
absorbent (abzôrb´
nt),adj a substance that causes absorption of diseased tissue; taking up by suction.
absorbent
1. able to take in, or suck up and incorporate.
2. a tissue structure, lymphatic or other vessel, involved in absorption.
3. a substance that absorbs or promotes absorption.
Absorbents used pharmaceutically are usually finely ground inert substances applied locally to prevent friction and reduce tissue irritation, e.g. talc, zinc stearate, a mixture of boric acid and calcium oxide. Similar substances, e.g. finely ground charcoal, kaolin, are administered orally for the same purposes and also to absorb toxins.
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