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Glite Dictionary
absorber

absorber

8 7.8
A material in a nuclear reactor that takes in neutrons to slow the reaction
  • noun
  • /əbˈzɔrbər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : absorbedor
  • It means, in particular, in the real world, they'll simply be absorbers, which will slowly absorb radiation.
  • shock absorbers
  • absorber of radiation

Examples

  • But it also absorbs lots and lots and lots of neutrons.

  • Their compressed plasma is completely surrounded by a fluid of lead and lithium, which absorbs almost all the neutrons.

  • What you see instead are a lot of soft tissues that sort of absorb radiation.

  • In a nuclear reactor, the absorber plays a crucial role in managing the level of radiation.

  • Engineers designed the absorber to effectively capture neutrons and prevent their escape.

  • The safety features of the reactor include a layer of absorber material to shield workers from radiation.

Compounds

shock absorber
  • Specialized
3 3.9

A part on a vehicle that reduces bumps when you drive

How Absorbent

absorber
  • Specialized
8 7.8
absorbance
  • Specialized
1 7.4

Surface Forms

absorber singular
absorbers plural

Morphology

absorber = absorb (transparent) = absorb + er

A straightforward agent noun formed from the verb 'absorb' + '-er'; learners who know 'absorb' will readily infer 'absorber' as something that absorbs.

Etymology

Absorber comes from the verb absorb, which is built from ab- and sorbere meaning 'away' and 'to suck in', so picture a sponge that 'takes in' or 'soaks up' things. That's why an absorber in a nuclear reactor is a material that 'soaks up' neutrons or radiation to slow or control the reaction.