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Definition of absorptive

absorptive

/əbˈzɔːrptɪv/
ab · sorp · tive
Adverb:absorptively
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absorptive Lexical Profile

absorptive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having the capacity, tendency, or function to absorb liquids, energy, light, or information.

Example

"The intestinal lining has a highly absorptive surface that allows nutrients to pass efficiently into the bloodstream."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for absorptive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for absorptive

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'absorbent' is used in everyday contexts for materials that soak up liquids (like a towel or sponge), 'absorptive' is preferred in scientific, technical, and economic contexts to describe the capacity or process of absorption (such as 'absorptive capacity' or 'absorptive tissues').

• Rhymes for absorptive

• Nearby Words

absorbing
absorbingly
absorption
absorptive
absorptiveness
abstain
abstainer

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century from the Latin past participle stem 'absorpt-' (from 'absorbere', meaning 'to swallow up') combined with the suffix '-ive'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Absorptive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/absorptive
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