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Webster 1913 Edition


Absorbent

Ab-sorb′ent

,
Noun.
1.
Anything which absorbs.
AS
The ocean, itself a bad
absorbent
of heat.
Darwin.
2.
(Med.)
Any substance which absorbs and neutralizes acid fluid in the stomach and bowels, as magnesia, chalk, etc.; also a substance e. g., iodine which acts on the absorbent vessels so as to reduce enlarged and indurated parts.
AS
3.
pl.
(Physiol.)
The vessels by which the processes of absorption are carried on, as the lymphatics in animals, the extremities of the roots in plants.
AS

Webster 1828 Edition


Absorbent

ABSORB'ENT

,
Adj.
Imbibing; swallowing.

ABSORB'ENT

,
Noun.
In anatomy, a vessel which imbibes, as the lacteals, lymphatics, and inhaling arteries. In medicine, a testaceous powder, or other substance, which imbibes the humors of the body, as chalk or magnesia.