noun.
The accumulation of gases, liquids, or solutes on the surface of a solid or liquid.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
noun.
The mechanical imbibition of fluids or gases.
noun.
Condensation of gases on the surfaces of solids.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
noun.
the process by which molecules of a substance form a thin film on the surface of a solid. Distinguished from absorption, in which the foreign substance penetrates the body of the absorbing material.
noun.
The adhesion of a liquid or gas on the surface of a solid material, forming a thin film on the surface. Not to be confused with the process of absorption.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
noun.
the accumulation of molecules of a gas to form a thin film on the surface of a solid
Word Usage
"Mass attraction and electrostatic force - a combination of these two forces is frequently called adsorption, enable the particles to keep in contact with other solids and the filter material."