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Absorber Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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absorber

[əbˈsɔːbər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in physics

A substance or device that absorbs something, especially energy or radiation.

Synonyms

collector, receiver, sponge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
absorber

Primarily used in technical or scientific contexts to describe a material or device that absorbs energy, sound, or liquids.

  • The noise absorber in the room made it much quieter.
  • The solar panel functions as an absorber of solar energy.
sponge

Used to describe a porous material that soaks up liquids. Can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who absorbs information or resources, sometimes with a negative connotation when referring to someone who relies on others.

  • The sponge absorbed all the spilled water.
  • She is like a sponge, absorbing all the information from her classes.
  • He’s such a sponge, always depending on others without contributing.
collector

Typically used to describe someone or something that gathers or amasses items, data, or resources.

  • The art collector has an impressive collection of paintings.
  • The dust collector in the machine removes particles from the air.
receiver

Commonly used in contexts involving the reception of signals, objects, or information. Can also refer to a person who receives something.

  • The radio receiver picked up a clear signal.
  • The football receiver caught the ball and scored a touchdown.

Examples of usage

  • The car's shock absorbers helped to absorb the impact of the bumpy road.
  • The sponge acts as an absorber, soaking up the spilled liquid.
Context #2 | Noun

in technology

A device that reduces the level of sound, light, or heat.

Synonyms

attenuator, insulator, muffler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
absorber

Used to describe something that absorbs or takes in energy, sound, or liquid.

  • The sponge is an excellent absorber of water.
  • The new material acts as a superb sound absorber.
muffler

Mainly used in automotive contexts to refer to a device that reduces the noise produced by the exhaust of a vehicle. It can also refer to a scarf used to keep warm.

  • The mechanic replaced the old muffler to reduce the car's noise.
  • He wrapped a wool muffler around his neck to keep warm.
insulator

Primarily used to describe a material or object that prevents the passage of electricity, heat, or sound.

  • Rubber is a good insulator of electricity.
  • They installed a thermal insulator to keep the house warm.
attenuator

Technical term used to refer to a device or material that reduces the force, effect, or value of something, often used in electronic and acoustic contexts.

  • The signal attenuator helps to control the output of the amplifier.
  • An attenuator was installed to decrease noise levels in the system.

Examples of usage

  • The noise absorber in the room made it quieter.
  • The heat absorber on the window helped to keep the room cool.
Context #3 | Noun

in chemistry

A material that takes in a gas, liquid, or other substance.

Synonyms

absorbent, adsorbent, sorbent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
absorber

Use in contexts where an object or material is designed to soak up or take in a physical substance, energy, or force, often for protective purposes.

  • The shock absorber in the car reduces the impact of bumps on the road.
  • The sponge was an efficient water absorber.
adsorbent

Applied when talking about materials that can attract and hold particles lightly on their surface, as opposed to soaking them up internally, commonly used in scientific and industrial contexts.

  • Activated charcoal is a highly effective adsorbent for purifying water.
  • The researchers used an adsorbent material to capture the gas molecules.
sorbent

A general term for substances that can either absorb or adsorb liquids or gases, usually employed in industrial or environmental cleanup.

  • The oil spill was managed by spreading a sorbent material to soak up the oil.
  • Various sorbents can be used to clean up hazardous chemical spills.
absorbent

Refers to materials or substances that are particularly good at soaking up liquids or gases, often used in everyday products.

  • This towel is very absorbent, perfect for drying off after a shower.
  • The absorbent pad in the diaper keeps the baby dry.

Examples of usage

  • The carbon absorber in the filter traps impurities from the water.
  • The desiccant acts as an absorber, removing moisture from the air.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, an absorber refers to materials that take in energy, like sound absorbents used in studios.
  • Chemically, absorbents are substances that can draw in liquids or gases, such as activated charcoal used in air purifiers.

Environmental Studies

  • Certain plants act as natural absorbers of carbon dioxide, helping to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
  • Wetlands are excellent natural absorbers of water, helping to control flooding and improve water quality.

Pop Culture

  • In many superhero stories, characters often have abilities to absorb energy or powers from their surroundings.
  • In animation, characters likened to sponges emphasize the humorous aspect of absorbing everything around them.

Engineering

  • Shock absorbers in vehicles improve safety and comfort by reducing the impact of bumps on the road.
  • Material scientists design advanced absorbent materials for use in medical applications, like dressings for wounds.

Origin of 'absorber'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'absorbere,' meaning 'to swallow up or soak in.'
  • It has roots in the combination of 'ab-' (meaning 'from') and 'sorbere' (meaning 'to suck in').

The word 'absorber' originated from the Latin word 'absorbere', which means to swallow up. It first appeared in English in the 16th century. The concept of absorption has been studied in various fields such as physics, chemistry, and technology. Absorbers play a crucial role in absorbing different forms of energy, substances, or radiation, making them essential components in many devices and systems.

See also: absorb, absorbable, absorbed, absorbent, absorbing, absorbingly, absorption.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,101, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.