Absorption of Gases. - In physics, the property which all liquids possess in greater or less degree of taking a certain quantity of gas into chemical combination with themselves. Heat is given off during this process of absorption, and, should it afterwards be desired to separate the gases, an equivalent amount of heat to that given off, must be applied to the liquid. This principle is the foundation of the ammonia absorption process of refrigeration as water at 32° F. can absorb over one thousand times its volume of ammonia gas.

Absorb. - To drink in, or suck up, as a sponge absorbs water.

Absorber.  -  In nuclear engineering, a sheet or other body of material placed between a source of radiation and a detector such as: (1) determining the nature or the energy of the radiation: (2) reducing the intensity of the radiation at the detector, as in shielding: or (3) giving the radiation some desired characteristic, as by preferential transmission of one component of the radiation. Such an absorber may function through a combination of processes of true absorption, scattering and slowing down. In a nuclear reactor, a substance absorbs neutrons without reproducing them. Such a substance may be useful in control of a reactor, or if unavoidably present, may produce an undesired impairment in neutron economy. Neutron absorption is an important function of the shield surrounding a reactor.

Abreast. - 1. Side by side, with breasts in a line ; as, two men could hardly walk abreast. 2. In navigation, side by side ; also, opposite ; over against ; on a line with a vessel’s beam.

Abridgement. - The act of abridging, or the state of being abridged ; lessening ; reduction, or deprivation; as, an abridgement of expenses. Abrupt. - Without notice to prepare the mind for the event . sudden , hasty ; unceremonious.

Abscissa. - The horizontal coordinate in a two - dimensional system of rectangular coordinates, usually denoted by X.

What is the definition of Abaft. - Towards the stern of a ship ; back ; behind ; as, abaft the mainmast.

What is the definition of Abaka. - A fiber from which manilla rope is made. Ropes and cables of this material float in sea water.

What is the definition of Abate. - To bring down or reduce from a higher to a lower state, number or degree ; to lessen ; to diminish ; to con. tract ; to moderate ; to cut short ; as, to abate a demand.