Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
absorptive

absorptive

1 6.8
Able to take in liquids or energy, like a sponge
  • adjective
  • /əbˈzɔːrptɪv/
: absorbente
  • The pigment-absorptive properties of visible wavelength lasers have enhanced coagulation capabilities in the middle ear and posterior fossa.
  • absorptive capacity
  • absorptive surface
  • absorptive area

But the thing about early stage venture capital is that the, there's really a very limited absorptive capacity.

Examples

  • With its absorptive capacity overburdened, the region's appeals for help from the U.S. government have fallen on deaf ears.

    Academic text (2014)

  • And this is really what gives the small bowel its tremendous absorptive capacity.

  • Allow the cell to increase absorptive area, and to supply it with energy... for transport of ions.

    Gross Anatomy (1989)

  • And it also cuts down on absorptive losses in that top layer.

  • Campbell Scientific engineers designed the sensor to be sensitive enough to measure such absorptive surfaces.

    Academic text (1994)

  • The hypha's exclusively linear growth generates a vast absorptive surface area with very modest increases in cell volume.

    Academic text (2001)

  • Biologist Camilla Huxley of Oxford University has shown that these plants have special absorptive surfaces that take up nutrients deposited in ant excrement.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Tyndall (1861) measured the absorptive characteristics of CO2, followed by more precise measurements by Burch (1970).

    Blog text (19)

  • Because white petals are typically ultraviolet (UV) absorptive and water is UV reflective, white petals may also enhance contrast in the UV spectrum.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The sponge is highly absorptive, soaking up water quickly when placed in it.

Synonyms

absorbent
vsabsorptive
9 3.4

Able to soak up liquid easily

tends to take in liquids, energy, or substances broadly
receptive
vsabsorptive
2 4.5

Can absorb liquid or other substances

means having a tendency to take in many kinds of substances
energy-absorbing
vsabsorptive
  • Specialized
1 5.7

To take in energy from a hit or heat instead of releasing it

covers taking in many kinds of substances, not only energy
absorbable
vsabsorptive
1 4.6

Able to go into a material through its surface, for example skin or fabric

is the general property of taking in substances rather than being taken in
assimilable
vsabsorptive
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A substance the body can absorb and use

refers to the general tendency to take in substances, not only bodily use
assimilative
vsabsorptive
1 7.9

That can take in light, gas or liquid

is the broader tendency to take in substances rather than transform them
assimilatory
vsabsorptive
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Able to take in things like light or nutrients and make them part of a living thing

focuses on the general tendency to take up substances, not process role
resorptive
vsabsorptive
  • Specialized
1 9.2

Able to absorb or break down material in body tissues

is the general ability to take in substances beyond biological dissolution

How Absorbent

absorptive
1 6.8
absorbent
9 3.4
nonabsorbent
1 6.2

Surface Forms

absorptive positive

Morphology

absorptive = absorb (transparent) = absorb + ive

The adjective is a regular derivation from the verb 'absorb' with the productive suffix '-ive' meaning 'having the capacity to absorb'.

Etymology

Absorptive comes from the simple verb absorb, which itself comes from the Latin parts abs- 'to' and sorbere 'to suck in', like a sponge taking in water. So, something absorptive is good at 'taking in' liquids, energy, or other things.