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uptake
/ˈʌpteɪk/
absorption or assimilation of something
The plant's uptake of nutrients improved with proper fertilization.
The plant absorbed nutrients more effectively when fertilized correctly.
general
The process of absorbing or assimilating something, such as nutrients, knowledge, or information.
Students showed a high uptake of the new teaching methods.
Students quickly absorbed and applied the new teaching methods.
Can refer to physical absorption (e.g., nutrients) or conceptual absorption (e.g., ideas).
Engineering
technical
The rate at which a substance is absorbed or taken up by a system, often measured in engineering or environmental science.
The uptake of carbon dioxide by the forest was measured to assess its environmental impact.
Scientists measured how much carbon dioxide the forest absorbed to evaluate its environmental effects.
Common in environmental and chemical engineering contexts.
Business
Business
The adoption or implementation of a new idea, technology, or practice.
The company's uptake of remote work policies was slow initially but increased over time.
The company initially adopted remote work policies gradually, but more employees began using them over time.
Often used in business and technology to describe the speed or extent of adoption.
Collocations
rapid uptakequick absorption or adoptionlow uptakeslow or minimal absorption or adoptionnutrient uptakeabsorption of nutrients by plants or organisms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'uptake' varies by field—pay attention to the context to determine whether it refers to physical absorption, information assimilation, or adoption of practices.
Gold Rule
Technical vs. General Use
In technical fields, 'uptake' often refers to measurable absorption rates, while in general contexts, it describes the process of taking in or adopting something.
Word Origin
From 'up' (direction) + 'take' (to receive or absorb), first recorded in the late 19th century.
Usage Notes
Often used in scientific, technical, and business contexts to describe the process of taking in or adopting something.
Word Breakdown
up
direction or increase
prefixtake
to receive or absorb
rootEnglish Dictionary