Definition

The ability of a material to take in and hold liquid or moisture.

Example

The absorbency of the new fabric makes it ideal for towels.

Conversation

I just bought some new towels that have great absorbency.

Oh nice! It's so important for towels to soak up water well.

Yeah, I hate when they just push the water around instead of soaking it up.

Exactly! Good absorbency makes such a difference.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Absorbency is formed from "absorb" (from Latin "absorbere", meaning to suck in or swallow up) and the suffix "-ency" (meaning the quality or state of). The word "absorbency" refers to the quality of being able to absorb or soak up liquid.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'absorb' which means to 'suck in' — and the '-ency' indicates a state or quality. So, absorbency is the state of being able to suck in or soak up.

Visually Confused Words