in general, any thing possessing the faculty of absorbing, or swallowing up another.

ABSORBENT Medicines, tallowaceous powders, or substances into which calcareous earth enters, as chalk, crabs eyes, &c. which are taken inwardly for drying up or absorbing any acid or redundant humours in the stomach or intestines. They are likewise applied externally to ulcers or sores with the same intention.