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

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

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

The fatal July 29 rollover, west of the historic ghost town of Liberty, occurred after the ATV’s front-side shock absorber failed, causing one corner of its suspension to collapse and crash into the ground nose-first, according to the lawsuit.

From Seattle Times

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

The researchers noted in the study that alfalfa is also attractive to growers for other reasons, including its hardiness and ability to survive with less water during droughts and then come back quickly once full irrigation resumes — functioning like a “shock absorber” for farmers dealing with unpredictable conditions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• armor
• buffer
• bulwark
• safeguard
• shelter