(chemistry) the absorption of a liquid by a solid or gel

the act of consuming liquids

IM-bah-BISH-un The absorption of water by a seed. 40

A measure of the liquid or water-holding capacity of a textile material.

Imbibition is the process in which a seed takes up water from its surrounding and swells. This powerful process precedes germination and can spit the seed coat.

Absorption of fluid by a solid or colloid, as in a seed swelling in the act of water absorption prior to germination.

Imbibition is defined as the displacement of one fluid by another immiscible fluid. This process is controlled and affected by a variety of factors. The capillary number Ca and the mobility ratio M have the greatest importance.