absorbent(n = noun.substance) absorbent material - a material having capacity or tendency to absorb another substance;
is a kind of sorbent, sorbent material
has particulars: sponge, absorber, absorbent cotton
Derived form verb absorb₁

   absorbent(a = adj.all) absorptive - having power or capacity or tendency to absorb or soak up something (liquids or energy etc.); "as absorbent as a sponge"
Antonym: nonabsorbent
Derived forms verb absorb₁, verb absorb₆, noun absorbency₁

   Absorbing; swallowing; absorptive. [1913 Webster]

1.  Anything which absorbs. [1913 Webster]
"The ocean, itself a bad absorbent of heat." [1913 Webster]

2.  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. [1913 Webster]

3.  The vessels by which the processes of absorption are carried on, as the lymphatics in animals, the extremities of the roots in plants. [1913 Webster]

absorbent, adj. & n.
--adj. having a tendency to absorb (esp. liquids).
--n.
1 an absorbent substance.
2 any of the vessels in plants and animals (e.g. root tips) that absorb nutriment.

Derivative:
absorbency n.

Etymology:
L absorbent- f. absorbere ABSORB

N  reception, admission, admittance, entree, importation, introduction, intromission, immission, ingestion, imbibation, introception, absorption, ingurgitation, inhalation, suction, sucking, eating, drinking, insertion, interjection, introit, admitting, admitted, admissable, absorbent.

absorbent cotton, absorbent material