Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

a b|so|lute ma|jo r|ity (absolute majorities ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a political party wins an absolute majority , they obtain more seats or votes than the total number of seats or votes gained by their opponents in an election.

a b|so|lute ze ro N‑UNCOUNT Absolute zero is a theoretical temperature that is thought to be the lowest possible temperature.

ab|so|lu|tion /æ bsəluː ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If someone is given absolution , they are forgiven for something wrong that they have done. [FORMAL ] □  She felt as if his words had granted her absolution.

ab|so|lut|ism /æ bsəluː t I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Absolutism is a political system in which one ruler or leader has complete power and authority over a country. □  …royal absolutism.

2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to someone's beliefs as absolutism if they think that their beliefs are true, right, or relevant in all situations, especially if you think they are wrong to behave in this way. [DISAPPROVAL ] ●  ab|so|lut|ist ADJ □  This absolutist belief is replaced by an appreciation that rules can vary.

ab|solve /æbzɒ lv/ (absolves , absolving , absolved ) VERB If a report or investigation absolves someone from blame or responsibility, it formally states that he or she is not guilty or is not to blame. □ [V n + of/from ] A police investigation yesterday absolved the police of all blame in the incident. □ [V n] …the inquiry which absolved the soldiers.

ab|sorb /əbzɔː ^r b/ (absorbs , absorbing , absorbed )

1 VERB If something absorbs a liquid, gas, or other substance, it soaks it up or takes it in. □ [V n] Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and moisture from the soil. □ [be V -ed + into ] Refined sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly.

2 VERB If something absorbs light, heat, or another form of energy, it takes it in. □ [V n] The dark material absorbs light and warms up.

3 VERB If a group is absorbed into a larger group, it becomes part of the larger group. □ [be V -ed + into ] The Colonial Office was absorbed into the Foreign Office. □ [V n] …an economy capable of absorbing thousands of immigrants.

4 VERB If something absorbs a force or shock, it reduces its effect. □ [V n] …footwear which does not absorb the impact of the foot striking the ground.

5 VERB If a system or society absorbs changes, effects, or costs, it is able to deal with them. □ [V n] The banks would be forced to absorb large losses.

6 VERB If something absorbs something valuable such as money, space, or time, it uses up a great deal of it. □ [V n] It absorbed vast amounts of capital that could have been used for investment.

7 VERB If you absorb information, you learn and understand it. □ [V n] Too often he only absorbs half the information in the manual.

8 VERB If something absorbs you, it interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy. □ [V n] …a second career which absorbed her more completely than her acting ever had.

9 → see also absorbed , absorbing

ab|sorbed /əbzɔː ^r bd/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are absorbed in something or someone, you are very interested in them and they take up all your attention and energy. □ [+ in/by ] They were completely absorbed in each other.

ab|sor|bent /əbzɔː ^r bənt/ ADJ Absorbent material soaks up liquid easily. □  The towels are highly absorbent.

ab|sorb|er /əbzɔː ^r bə ^r / → see shock absorber

ab|sorb|ing /əbzɔː ^r b I ŋ/ ADJ An absorbing task or activity interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy. □  'Two Sisters' is an absorbing read.

ab|sorp|tion /əbzɔː ^r pʃ ^ə n/