absorbent

absorbent /ab·sor·bent/ (-sor´bent)

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.

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ab·sorb·ent (b-zôrbnt)

adj.

Capable of absorption; able to absorb.

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ab·sorbent n.

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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.

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absorbent (abzôrb´nt),

adj a substance that causes absorption of diseased tissue; taking up by suction.

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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.