adsorb

views updated

ad·sorb / adˈzôrb; -ˈsôrb/ • v. [tr.] (of a solid) hold (molecules of a gas or liquid or solute) as a thin film on the outside surface or on internal surfaces within the material: charcoal will not adsorb nitrates.DERIVATIVES: ad·sorb·a·ble adj.ad·sorp·tion n.ad·sorp·tive adj.