The process of absorbing; specifically:

1. In physiology, it refers to the movement of liquids and solutes into cells by way of diffusion or osmosis.
2. In chemistry, it refers to the drawing of a gas or liquid into the pores of a permeable solid.
3. In immunology, it refers to a process in which an antigen or antibody is used to pull an analogous antigen or antibody out of a solution.

Compare adsorption.

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From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.

In relation to immigration: accomodation to life as a citizen in the state to the point where you no longer need the state's special assistance.

In Israel, jew immigrants who perform an Aliya (employing their law-given Right of Return) are eligible for certain state-given assistance:

• "Absorption basket" -- a monetary grant; only to immigrants from countries in bad economic condition (such as former USSR countries).
• Welfare
• Waiving of customs (limited)
• Learning Hebrew in an Ulpan
• Residence assistance
• Employment assistance
• Private enterprise assistance
• Higher education grant
• Assistance to soldiers

All those exist to help the newcomer, who often comes to the country with little possessions and money, to acclimate. Not many other countries would go that far for immigrants, but Israel has to, to keep up with its primary purpose as a national home for Jews.

Eventually the grants run out and by then the immigrant should be absorbed into the country; if not becoming a native then at least not being "rejected" by the country. Being absorbed in the state's terms means earning your living; by the society's terms - not being alien and fitting in. The Ghetto dwellers are in the middle between those two definitions.

References

• http://www.moia.gov.il - Israeli Ministry of Immigrant Absorption

Ab*sorp"tion (#), n. [L. absorptio, fr. absorbere. See Absorb.]

1.

The act or process of absorbing or sucking in anything, or of being absorbed and made to disappear; as, the absorption of bodies in a whirlpool, the absorption of a smaller tribe into a larger.

2. Chem. & Physics

An imbibing or reception by molecular or chemical action; as, the absorption of light, heat, electricity, etc.

3. Physiol.

In living organisms, the process by which the materials of growth and nutrition are absorbed and conveyed to the tissues and organs.

4.

Entire engrossment or occupation of the mind; as, absorption in some employment.

 

© Webster 1913.