ppl. a. [f. ABSORB + -ING2.] lit. Swallowing, imbibing; hence, incorporating, taking into itself; fig. Engrossing, all-engaging.

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1754.  Phil. Trans., XLVIII. 582. The absorbing and exhaling vessels, and the cuticle.

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1858.  J. R. Macduff, The Bow in the Cloud, 25. He [God] will take His own means to sever them from an absorbing love of the world.

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1860.  Tyndall, Glaciers, II. § 3. 246. Radiant heat is allowed to fall upon an absorbing substance.

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1862.  Lond. Rev., 23 Aug., 156. An amalgamation, under such circumstances, is a positive fraud on the proprietors of the absorbing office.

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1876.  Freeman, Norm. Conq., II. ix. 330. He must have been engaged at this time in some such absorbing pursuit.

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