Reabsorb: meaning, definitions and examples

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reabsorb

 

[ riːəbˈzɔːrb ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

biological process

Reabsorb refers to the process by which a body or organism takes back in substances that were previously absorbed but are now being reprocessed. This term is commonly used in biology and medicine, especially in the context of kidneys and other organs that recover essential nutrients and fluids from waste products. The efficiency of reabsorption can affect overall health and homeostasis, as it directly relates to the body's balance of electrolytes and fluids. Understanding reabsorption is critical in studying various physiological processes.

Synonyms

recapture, rehabilitate, retrieve

Examples of usage

  • The kidneys reabsorb necessary nutrients from urine.
  • Plants reabsorb water through their roots.
  • In the process of digestion, the intestines reabsorb vitamins.
  • Hormones can be reabsorbed to regulate bodily functions.

Translations

Translations of the word "reabsorb" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reabsorver

🇮🇳 फिर से अवशोषित करना

🇩🇪 wieder aufnehmen

🇮🇩 menyerap kembali

🇺🇦 реабсорбувати

🇵🇱 wchłonąć ponownie

🇯🇵 再吸収する

🇫🇷 réabsorber

🇪🇸 reabsorber

🇹🇷 yeniden emmek

🇰🇷 재흡수하다

🇸🇦 إعادة الامتصاص

🇨🇿 znovu vstřebat

🇸🇰 znovu absorbovať

🇨🇳 重新吸收

🇸🇮 ponovno absorbirati

🇮🇸 endursoga

🇰🇿 қайта сіңіру

🇬🇪 მחדש შესრუტვა

🇦🇿 yenidən udmaq

🇲🇽 reabsorber

Etymology

The word 'reabsorb' is derived from the prefix 're-' which means 'again' and the verb 'absorb,' which comes from the Latin 'absorbere,' meaning 'to suck in' or 'to swallow up.' The prefix emphasizes the act of taking something back in or absorbing it once more. 'Absorb' itself has its origins in the Latin roots 'ad-' (to) and 'sorbēre' (to suck in). The combination reflects a scientific and physiological context, particularly prominent in disciplines like biology, physiology, and medicine. Originally, the term might have been used to describe physical processes, but over time, its usage has expanded to include metaphorical and abstract senses, such as the reabsorption of ideas or concepts.