adsorbent
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ædˈsɔːrbənt/
KK: /ædˈsɔrbənt/
adjective
Definition
Able to attract and hold molecules or particles on its surface.
Example
The adsorbent material effectively captured the pollutants from the water.
Conversation
Have you heard about that new material that is highly adsorbent?
Yeah, I read an article about it! It's supposed to be great for cleaning spills.
I think it could really help in the kitchen, especially with oily messes.
Definitely! I’d love to try something that is adsorbent and effective.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
absorptive
sorbent
permeable
Antonyms
nonabsorbent
impermeable
repellent
noun
Definition
A material that can attract and hold other substances on its surface, often used in processes like filtration or purification.
Example
Activated charcoal is a common adsorbent used in water purification.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of an adsorbent?
Yeah, isn't that like activated charcoal or something?
Exactly! It’s used to clean up spills and odors.
Root Explanation
Adsorbent is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "sorbere" (meaning to swallow or absorb). The word describes a material that has the ability to attract and hold particles on its surface, effectively 'swallowing' them in a sense.
Memory Tip
Think of a material that 'swallows' particles by attracting them to its surface — 'ad-' means to, and 'sorbere' means to absorb.
Visually Confused Words
coadsorbent
absorbent
sorbent
unabsorbent