adsorb

verb

ad·​sorb ad-ˈsȯrb How to pronounce adsorb (audio) -ˈzȯrb How to pronounce adsorb (audio)
adsorbed; adsorbing; adsorbs

transitive verb

: to take up and hold by adsorption

intransitive verb

: to become adsorbed
adsorbable
ad-ˈsȯr-bə-bəl How to pronounce adsorb (audio)
-ˈzȯr-
adjective
adsorber
ad-ˈsȯr-bər How to pronounce adsorb (audio)
-ˈzȯr-
noun

Examples of adsorb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The brand’s Peptide Detox shampoo, which adsorbs hard water deposits to thoroughly clean hair, has amassed 238,000 impressions on TikTok this month and can consistently be found topping the app’s section for popular searches. — Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 The scientists explained that water molecules adsorbed by the material modify its electronic structure. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026 Deterra Drug Deactivation System test The Deterra Drug Deactivation System is a biodegradable pouch that uses activated charcoal to adsorb medications after warm water is added. — Sunny Linnebur, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026 The surface is then dosed with phosphine gas, which adsorbs to the surface only in places where the silicon is exposed. — IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adsorb

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from adsorption

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of adsorb was in 1809

Rhymes for adsorb

See All Rhymes for adsorb

Browse Nearby Words

adsmith
adsorb
adsorbability
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Cite this Entry

“Adsorb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adsorb. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

adsorb

verb
ad·​sorb ad-ˈsȯrb How to pronounce adsorb (audio) -ˈzȯrb How to pronounce adsorb (audio)
: to take up and hold or to become taken up by adsorption

Medical Definition

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