adsorb

verb

Pronunciation: /ædˈzɔːrb/

Definition

Hold molecules of a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance on a solid surface as a thin film.

Examples

• The porous material was designed to adsorb toxic chemicals from the polluted air.

• Certain clays can adsorb heavy metals, preventing them from contaminating the groundwater.

• Scientists studied how the new synthetic polymer would adsorb proteins during the filtration process.

How to Use adsorb

adsorb onto (prepositional phrase)

to attach to a specific surface — "The gas molecules adsorb onto the activated carbon."

adsorb from (prepositional phrase)

to remove a substance from a medium — "The filter helps adsorb impurities from the water."

Synonyms of adsorb

Words with a similar meaning to adsorb:

• stick
• adhere
• bind
• sequester

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