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.
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|