adsorb

American  

[ad-sawrb, -zawrb] / ædˈsɔrb, -ˈzɔrb /

verb (used with object)

Physical Chemistry.

1. to gather (a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance) on a surface in a condensed layer.

   Charcoal will adsorb gases.

---

adsorb British  

/ ədˈsɔːb, -ˈzɔːb /

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which a substance, usually a gas, accumulates on the surface of a solid forming a thin film, often only one molecule thick Compare absorb

   to adsorb hydrogen on nickel

   oxygen adsorbs on tungsten

---

Other Word Forms

• adsorbability noun
• adsorbable adjective
• adsorbent adjective
• adsorption noun
• adsorptive adjective
• adsorptively adverb

Etymology

Origin of adsorb

First recorded in 1880–85; ad- + (ab)sorb

Example Sentences

First they used classical computers to model how molecules adsorb and desorb from catalyst particles; then they applied their quantum computer to identify the most likely reaction pathway of the electrons and protons involved.

From Science Magazine • May 30, 2024

This unique property enables the catalyst to adsorb more reactants, facilitating an accelerated urea oxidation reaction.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2024

One kilogram of dry gel could adsorb 1.18 kilograms of water in arid atmospheric environments and up to 6.4 kilograms in humid atmospheric environments.

From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2023

Finally, it will be run through huge tanks of granular activated carbon, which will adsorb any residual hydrogen peroxide and remove other harmful compounds.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2022

Such ‘breathing’ and ‘gating’ may make it easier, or harder, than expected for a synthesized MOF to adsorb a chemical.

From Nature