absorber

[ ab-sawr-ber, -zawr- ]

noun

1. a person or thing that absorbs.
2. shock absorber.
3. Physics. a material in a nuclear reactor that absorbs neutrons without reproducing them.

absorber

/ əbˈsɔːbə; -ˈzɔː- /

noun

1. a person or thing that absorbs
2. physics a material that absorbs radiation or causes it to lose energy

Word History and Origins

Origin of absorber¹

First recorded in 1785–95; absorb + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Women are being sent to prison essentially as a punishment for being poor and falling into debt - they are the shock absorbers of poverty.

From BBC

Scientists have long known that the ocean, the largest absorber of carbon on Earth, directly controls the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

From Science Daily

For example, Fe3Al could be used to 3D print structural parts that can act as shock absorbers for seismic activity.

From Science Daily

The team crafted a thermal-trapping device by attaching a synthetic quartz rod to an opaque silicon disk as an energy absorber.

From Science Daily

Research shows that the boreal region may experience greatly reduced carbon storage capacity in the coming century due to climate change and increased wildfire activity, reducing its traditional role as an absorber of greenhouse gases.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• armor
• buffer
• bulwark
• safeguard
• shelter