reabsorb

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to absorb something again after it has been released, separated, or excreted

   The kidneys reabsorb most of the filtered water into the bloodstream.

2. 2
   verb

   to take a person, group, or thing back into a larger whole so that it loses its separate identity

   The organization gradually reabsorbed the temporary unit into its main staff.

Formed from re-, 'again or back,' + absorb. The physical and biological sense means taking a substance up again; a figurative extension describes reincorporating something into a larger system or environment.

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