adjective

(of a material) able to soak up liquid easily.

absorbent kitchen paper

porous,spongy,sponge-like,permeable,pervious,absorptive,penetrable,assimilative,receptive,soaking,blotting

noun

A substance that soaks up liquid easily.

There was a bit of a leak from the tanker so we put absorbents down to soak up the spillage, of about half a litre, and put a barrier up around the vehicle.