ab·sorb / əbˈzôrb; -ˈsôrb/ • v. [tr.] 1. take in or soak up (energy, or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action, typically gradually: buildings designed to absorb and retain heat steroids are absorbed into the bloodstream. ∎  take in and assimilate (information, ideas, or experience). ∎  take control of (a smaller or less powerful entity), making it a part of oneself by assimilation: the family firm was absorbed into a larger group. ∎  use or take up (time or resources) ∎  take up and reduce the effect or intensity of (sound or an impact).2. engross the attention of (someone).DERIVATIVES: ab·sorb·er n.

absorb XV. — (O)F. absorber — L. absorbēre, f. AB- + sorbēre swallow.
So absorbent XVIII. absorption XVI. — L. absorptive XVII.