a. [f. L. absorpt-, ppl. stem of absorbēre to ABSORB + -IVE, as if ad. L. *absorptīvus.] Having the quality of absorbing, swallowing, or imbibing. fig. Engrossing.
1664. H. More, Myst. Iniq., viii. 132. There being no Ark left to take Sanctuary in, and to be safe from the working and absorptive waves.
1667. Waterhouse, Fire of Lond., 32. This harrass of Fire and that so generally absorptive of the city.
1831. Brewster, Optics, xvi. 137. The absorptive power of air is finely displayed in the colour of the morning and evening clouds.
1870. Rolleston, Anim. Life, 34. Absorptive as well as secreting glands exist in great abundance in the walls of the digestive tube.
1891. W. J. Rolfe, Pref. to Coriol., 6. His lazy, somnolent, stupidly absorptive satisfaction.
