1. Absorption of fluid by a solid body without resultant chemical change in either. 2. Taking up of water by a gel, thereby increasing its size. [L. im-bibo, to drink in (in + bibo)]
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im·bi·bi·tion .im-bə-'bish-ən n the action or process of assimilating, taking into solution, or taking in liquid esp the taking up of fluid by a colloidal system resulting in swelling
im·bibe im-'bīb vb, im·bibed; im·bib·ing
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im·bi·bi·tion (im″bĭ-bishґən) [L. imbibere to drink] 1. the absorption of a liquid. 2. insudation.Medical dictionary. 2011.