adsorption

n. attraction of a gas or liquid to the surface of a solid (Chemistry)

Adsorption is a process that occurs when a gas or liquid solute accumulates on the surface of a solid or, more rarely, a liquid (adsorbent), forming a molecular or atomic film (the adsorbate). It is different from absorption, in which a substance diffuses into a liquid or solid to form a solution. The term sorption encompasses both processes, while desorption is the reverse process.
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Adsorption /ad·sorp·tion/ the action of a substance in attracting and holding other materials or particles on its surface. ad·sorp·tion n. [more]Adsorption - Community and Resources

Noun
1. the accumulation of molecules of a gas to form a thin film on the surface of a solid
(synonym) surface assimilation
(hypernym) sorption
(hyponym) chemisorption, chemosorption
(derivation) adsorb

n. adsorption, attraction of a gas or liquid to the surface of a solid, occlusion (Chemistry)