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Glite Dictionary
absorption factor

absorption factor

7.4
A number that shows how much incoming light or sound a material absorbs
  • noun
  • /æbˈzɔːrpʃən ˈfæktər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : factor de absorción
  • The absorption factor of the material is crucial in soundproofing.

Examples

  • What is the absorption factor for this type of glass?

  • The absorption factor of the material determines how much sound is absorbed in a room.

  • Changes in temperature can affect the absorption factor of certain substances.

  • Scientists measured the absorption factor to understand how much sound the wall could absorb.

  • The absorption factor of the material must be determined before using it for insulation.

  • Engineers calculate the absorption factor to improve the acoustic design of concert halls.

  • Higher absorption factors indicate that the surface can efficiently absorb more energy from radiation.

Synonyms

absorptivity
vsabsorption factor
  • Specialized
1 8.9

A measure of how much light or sound a material takes in

is the technical quantity expressing that same fraction of incoming energy taken up

Surface Forms

absorption factor singular
absorption factors plural

Morphology

absorption + factor

The compound simply names a factor (a quantity or element) related to absorption, so its meaning — a measure indicating how much is absorbed — is directly derivable from 'absorption' (taking up energy/substance) + 'factor' (an element or measure). This Noun+Noun technical composition is transparent and common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Absorption factor comes from the image of a sponge: absorption is like soaking up light or sound, and a factor is a number that shows how much. So it means the 'part' of energy a material soaks up when light or sound hits it.