2 entries under this word
a. [Lat. absorbens, p. pr. of absorbere, Fr. absorbant.] Imbibing; swallowing.
Absorbent ground (Paint.), a ground prepared for a picture, chiefly with distemper, or water colors, by which the oil is immediately absorbed, and thus the work hastened. Brande.
n. 1. (Med.) Any substance which absorbs liquids, as sponge, &c.; or which absorbs the acidity of the stomach, as magnesia, chalk, &c.; or which serves to dry up humors, &c. Dunglison.
Sense 2. (Physiol.) One of certain agents or vessels through which the processes of absorption go on, as the lacteals and other kindred parts in the animal system, the extremities of the roots of plants, &c. Carpenter.