absorbent
Takes in liquid
Absorbent describes materials that soak up liquids readily: absorbent towels, absorbent diapers.
The property matters for cleaning, medical supplies, and spill containment.
As a noun, an absorbent is any material with this quality: Place an absorbent under the leak.
The word contrasts with repellent—absorbent surfaces draw liquid in rather than shedding it.
Absorbent fabric for drying
- diaperAbsorbent infant undergarment
- napkinMealtime wiping cloth
- tissueDisposable soft paper
- padCushioned writing surface
bandage · wipes · swab · sponge · tampon · gauze · mop · cloth
Plant fiber for textiles
- microfiberUltrafine synthetic textile threads
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
- polymerLarge repeated-unit molecule
- nonwovenFabric without interlacing threads
felt · gauze · chamois · fleece · bamboo · hemp · rayon · sponge
Allowing passage of fluids
- permeableAllowing substances through
- breathablePermits air passage
- cellularComposed of small units
- fibrousMade of threads
honeycombed · textured · layered · mesh · perforated · interwoven · channeled · multi-ply
Liquid drawn through fibers
- capillarityLiquid rise in tubes
- retentionContinued holding or possession
- permeabilityAbility to transmit fluids
- saturationState of complete permeation
porosity · sponginess · adsorption · osmosis · diffusion · uptake · capacity · efficiency
Free of harmful microbes
- sterileFree from microorganisms
- antibacterialKills or inhibits germs
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- cleansingRemoving dirt or toxins
disposable · medical · surgical · incontinence · menstrual · baby-care · clinical · hospital-grade
towel
Absorbent fabric for drying
pad · bandage · wipes · swab · sponge · tampon · gauze · mop · cloth · liner
soak
Saturate with liquid
wipe · mop · sop · wick · draw-up · suck-up · take-in · dry · mop-up · swab
cotton
Plant fiber for textiles
- microfiberUltrafine synthetic textile threads
- cellulosePlant wall polysaccharide
- polymerLarge repeated-unit molecule
nonwoven · felt · gauze · chamois · fleece · bamboo · hemp · rayon · sponge · foam
porous
Allowing passage of fluids
- permeableAllowing substances through
- breathablePermits air passage
- cellularComposed of small units
fibrous · honeycombed · textured · layered · mesh · perforated · interwoven · channeled · multi-ply
wicking
Liquid drawn through fibers
- capillarityLiquid rise in tubes
- retentionContinued holding or possession
- permeabilityAbility to transmit fluids
saturation · porosity · sponginess · adsorption · osmosis · diffusion · uptake · capacity · efficiency · quick-drying
sanitary
Free of harmful microbes
- sterileFree from microorganisms
- antibacterialKills or inhibits germs
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
cleansing · disposable · medical · surgical · incontinence · menstrual · baby-care · clinical · hospital-grade · single-use
- paper qualitiessmooth, rough, glossy, matte, textured
- porous thingsporous, permeable, sponge, mesh, sieve
- product featuressize, color, durable, quality, material
- product qualitiesdurable, lightweight, flexible, sturdy, portable
- texturessmoothness, smooth, soft, rough, roughness
- absorptionsorption, uptake, adsorption, oxygen uptake, resorption
absorbentimpermeable
Cannot be penetrated
nonabsorbent · impervious · waterproof · water-resistant · impenetrable
absorbentwater-repellent
Resisting water penetration
waterproof · nonabsorbent · repellent · hydrophobic · water-resistant
- shock absorberImpact-dampening suspension component
- absorbent paperPorous sheets for liquids
- absorbent materialsSubstances that soak up liquids
- absorbent padsMaterials that soak liquids
- absorbent cottonTreated fiber for medical use
- odor absorberNeutralizes unpleasant smells
absorbed, absorbency, nonabsorbent, absorber, unabsorbed, absorbents, absorbent paper