absorb - v.tr.
1 include or incorporate as part of itself or oneself (the country successfully absorbed its immigrants).
2 take in; suck up (liquid, heat, knowledge, etc.) (she quickly absorbed all she was taught).
3 reduce the effect or intensity of; deal easily with (an impact, sound, difficulty, etc.).
4 consume (income, time, resources, etc.) (his debts absorbed half his income).
5 engross the attention of (television absorbs them completely).

absorbable adj. absorbability n. absorber n. [ME f. F absorber or L absorbere absorpt- (as AB-, sorbere suck in)]