Able to soak up liquids quickly, like paper towels or sponges.
From Latin 'absorbere' combining 'ab-' (away) and 'sorbere' (to drink up). Became common in chemistry and household product descriptions in the 1800s.
Super-absorbent polymers used in diapers and feminine products can hold 300 times their weight in water—NASA scientists developing them never imagined they'd become essential household items.
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