absorb-v; 5 Senses

Sense Number 1: take something in, soak in, or use up (often gradually)

Examples:
This is the way all plant cells grow and the way roots absorb water from the soil.
The sponge absorbs and eliminates virtually all strong odors.
We see that the black hole absorbs only a small amount of the emitted radiation.
In cold climates, houses need to have walls that will absorb heat.
Towels absorb moisture.
The drug is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
This project is absorbing too much money.
The project has absorbed all of our department's resources.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: absorb.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 4, 6

Sense Number 2: learn, aquire, or fully understand information or knowledge

Commentary:
NOTE: NP 1 takes in new information

Examples:
It's hard to absorb so much information.
He hasn't yet absorbed the news.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: absorb.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 3: adapt, assimilate, or incorporate into a whole

Examples:
The sales tax was absorbed into the income tax.
The islands were later absorbed into the Roman Empire.
Our countryside is increasingly being absorbed by the large cities.
The immigrants were quickly absorbed into the society.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5, 8

Sense Number 4: engage or engross; occupy full attention, interest and time of

Commentary:
NOTE: NP1 is affected by NP2, which isn't necessarily new information

Examples:
Simon was so absorbed in his book, he didn't even notice me come in.
His work absorbed him completely.
Her interest in butterfies absorbs her.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 7, 9

Sense Number 5: take in as to stop the transmission or reduce effect of shock or change

Examples:
The barrier absorbed the main impact of the crash.
We absorbed the costs this year, but we don't know how much longer we can do that.
The company was forced to absorb the cost of tax increases.
We couldn't absorb the additional hardships.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: absorb.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3