Absorber: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.