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to adsorb

to adsorb

1 9.1
To hold liquids or gases on the surface of a solid
  • verb
  • /ædˈzɔrb/
  • Specialized
translation icon : adsorber
  • Carbon black adsorbs harmful gases, making it useful for air purification systems.
  • adsorbed atoms
  • adsorbed on the surface
  • adsorbed molecules

Examples

  • Recent work by Chaney showed that lead is adsorbed to iron-rich compost/soil and does not migrate to the water table.

    Academic text (1995)
  • We allowed the virus to adsorb to monolayers of Vero 76 cells in 6-well plates for 2 hours at 37°C.

    Academic text (2012)
  • You have to adsorb the reactants and desorb the products.

  • Similarly, contaminants from the environment are constantly arriving at and adsorbing to the surface of the vehicle.

    Blog text (26)
  • The research reported here also dealt with microorganisms associated with surfaces, especially those adsorbed to plastic-syringe surfaces.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Some insoluble particles containing clay materials may also adsorb moisture, even though they don't dissolve in it.

    Blog text (27)
  • Chemist Ulrich Bernier examines glass beads that have adsorbed human scents.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The filter works by allowing water to pass through while it adsorbs impurities on its surface.

  • Certain types of clay can effectively adsorb moisture from the air, keeping environments dry.

Synonyms

to chemisorb
vsto adsorb
  • Specialized
9.9

To hold another substance on a solid surface like a metal or catalyst by forming a chemical bond

collects and holds substances on the surface without forming chemical bonds
to sorb
vsto adsorb
  • Specialized
9.5

To take in and hold a liquid or gas

collects and holds them only on the surface not into the interior

Antonyms

to desorb
  • Specialized
9.3

To come off a surface after something sticks to it, for example a gas or tiny particle

How Strong

to bind
  • Specialized
131 3.9
to chemisorb
  • Specialized
9.9
to adsorb
  • Specialized
1 9.1

Surface Forms

adsorb infinitive
adsorbed past
adsorbed past participle
adsorbing present participle
adsorbs third person singular

Morphology

adsorb = absorb (opaque) = ad + sorb

The prefix 'ad-' changes the meaning from 'absorb', making it unclear to learners without specific knowledge of scientific terminology.

Etymology

Adsorb comes from the prefix ad- ('to' or 'on') and the root sorb from a Latin word meaning 'to suck in'. So, imagine tiny particles being 'sucked on' to the outside of a solid or liquid rather than taken inside — that's why adsorb means to hold gases or liquids on a surface.