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Scour vs Absorb - What's the difference?

scour | absorb |

In obsolete|lang=en terms the difference between scour and absorb

is that scour is (obsolete) to cleanse while absorb is (obsolete) to engulf, as in water; to swallow up .

As verbs the difference between scour and absorb

is that scour is to clean, polish, or wash something by scrubbing it vigorously while absorb is to include so that it no longer has separate existence; to overwhelm; to cause to disappear as if by swallowing up; to incorporate; to assimilate; to take in and use up
.

As a noun scour

is the removal of sediment caused by swiftly moving water.

scour

English

Alternative forms

* scower (obsolete)

Verb

(en verb)
  • To clean, polish, or wash something by scrubbing it vigorously.
  • He scoured the burner pans to remove the burnt spills.
  • To remove by rubbing or cleansing; to sweep along or off.
  • He scoured the burnt food from the pan.
  • * Shakespeare
  • [I will] stain my favors in a bloody mask, / Which, washed away, shall scour my shame with it.
  • To search an area thoroughly.
  • They scoured the scene of the crime for clues.
  • (ambitransitive) To move swiftly over; to brush along.
  • * Alexander Pope
  • when swift Camilla scours the plain
  • * Dryden
  • So four fierce coursers, starting to the race, / Scour through the plain, and lengthen every pace.
  • (veterinary medicine) Of livestock, to suffer from diarrhea.
  • If a lamb is scouring , do not delay treatment.
  • (veterinary medicine) To purge.
  • to scour a horse
  • (obsolete) To cleanse.
  • * Francis Bacon
  • Warm water is softer than cold, for it scoureth better.

    Derived terms

    * scourer

    Noun

    (-)
  • The removal of sediment caused by swiftly moving water.
  • Bridge scour may scoop out scour holes and compromise the integrity of the bridge.

    absorb

    English

    Verb

  • To include so that it no longer has separate existence; to overwhelm; to cause to disappear as if by swallowing up; to incorporate; to assimilate; to take in and use up.
  • * (rfdate) :
  • Dark oblivion soon absorbs them all.
  • * (rfdate) :
  • The large cities absorb the wealth and fashion.
  • (obsolete) To engulf, as in water; to swallow up.
  • *
  • To suck up; to drink in; to imbibe; as a sponge or as the lacteals of the body; to chemically take in.
  • (transitive, physics, chemistry) To take in energy and convert it, as
  • # (physics) in receiving a physical impact or vibration without recoil.
  • # (physics) in receiving sound energy without repercussion or echo.
  • # (physics) taking in radiant energy and converting it to a different form of energy, like heat.
  • Heat, light, and electricity are absorbed in the substances into which they pass.
  • To engross or engage wholly; to occupy fully; as, absorbed in study or in the pursuit of wealth.
  • To occupy or consume time.
  • Assimilate mentally.
  • (business) To assume or pay for as part of a commercial transaction.
  • To defray the costs.
  • To accept or purchase in quantity.
  • Synonyms

    * (to include so that it no longer has separate existence) assimilate, engulf, incorporate, swallow up, overwhelm * (to suck up or drink in) draw, drink in, imbibe, soak up, sop up, suck, suck up, steep, take in, take up * (to consume completely) use up * (to occupy fully) engage, engross, immerse, monopolize, occupy * assume, bear, pay for to take in

    Antonyms

    * emit

    Derived terms

    * absorption * absorbable * absorbability

    References

    Anagrams

    *

    See also

    * adsorb