Desorption: meaning, definitions and examples

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desorption

 

[ dɪˈsɔrpshən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

scientific process

Desorption is the process by which a substance is released from or through a surface. It is the reverse of adsorption, in which atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid adhere to a surface. During desorption, the bonded particles are freed into the surrounding medium, which may include the atmosphere or another solution.

Synonyms

emission, liberation, release

Examples of usage

  • The desorption of water from the soil influences plant growth.
  • High temperatures can facilitate the desorption of gases from the catalyst surface.
  • The efficiency of the desorption process affects the overall yield in chemical reactions.

Translations

Translations of the word "desorption" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desorção

🇮🇳 डेसोर्प्शन

🇩🇪 Desorption

🇮🇩 desorpsi

🇺🇦 десорбція

🇵🇱 desorpcja

🇯🇵 脱着 (だつちゃく)

🇫🇷 désorption

🇪🇸 desorción

🇹🇷 desorpsiyon

🇰🇷 탈착 (탈착)

🇸🇦 إزالة الامتصاص

🇨🇿 desorpce

🇸🇰 desorpcia

🇨🇳 解吸 (jiě xī)

🇸🇮 desorpcija

🇮🇸 desorpsjón

🇰🇿 десорбция

🇬🇪 დეზორბცია

🇦🇿 desorbsiyon

🇲🇽 desorción

Etymology

The term 'desorption' is derived from the prefix 'de-' which implies removal or reversal, combined with 'sorpere', a Latin word meaning 'to swallow' or 'absorb'. The concept gained prominence during the development of physical chemistry and materials science in the late 19th to early 20th centuries as scientists began to understand the interactions between surfaces and adsorbates. The distinction between adsorption and desorption processes is critical in many fields, including catalysis, environmental science, and materials engineering. Desorption has been studied extensively in contexts such as gas-solid interactions, liquid-solid interactions, and in biochemistry, where it plays a crucial role in processes like drug delivery and enzyme function. Over time, the understanding of desorption mechanisms has evolved, contributing significantly to advancements in technology and science.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,892, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.