What does resorb mean?
Resorb is a technical verb meaning to absorb something again. It describes a process in which material has first been released, secreted, filtered, or otherwise dispersed and is then taken back into the body, organism, or surrounding system. The kidneys provide a familiar example: they filter water and other substances from the blood, and much of the water is subsequently resorbed into the bloodstream. The word is also used in biology and chemistry for systems that take material back into themselves. Resorb is more precise than absorb because it highlights the repeated or reverse movement implied by the prefix re-. In modern scientific writing, reabsorb is often the more usual choice, but resorb remains an established and useful term, particularly in technical and historical contexts.
verbTo absorb again, especially to take back into the body or another system material that has previously been released, secreted, or dispersed.
- To absorb again, especially material returned to the body or another system after being secreted, filtered, or dispersed.
"The kidneys resorb most of the water filtered from the blood."
"The body resorbs some of the minerals released during bone remodeling."
"This membrane allows the organism to resorb nutrients from the surrounding water."
Resorb describes a quiet second journey: material is released, then taken back in.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resorb come from?
Resorb was formed in the early 19th century from the prefix re- and the verb sorb, from the Latin sorbere, meaning to suck or drink in. The same root underlies absorb and adsorption. In medical usage, the word developed alongside the concept of substances being taken back into the body after having been excreted or filtered out.
Related word forms
How resorb is actually used
A relatively uncommon, chiefly technical word. It is especially used in medicine, physiology, biology, and related sciences; reabsorb is generally more familiar.
Easily confused with resorb
Resorb and reabsorb both mean to absorb again, but reabsorb is the more common modern form, especially in medicine and physiology.
Absorb means to take in or receive material, whereas resorb specifically implies taking material back in after it has been released or dispersed.