Understanding Absterge: The Process of Removing Substances from Surfaces

Absterge is a term that originated in the field of pharmacy and refers to the process of removing or absorbing a substance, typically a liquid or a medicine, from a surface or a material. The word "absterge" comes from the Latin words "ab," meaning "away," and "sterge," meaning "to wipe."

In the context of pharmacy, absterge is used to describe the process of removing a medication or other substance from a surface, such as skin or a wound, using a solvent or other cleaning agent. This process is often necessary when a medication has been applied topically and needs to be removed before it can be effective or before it causes harm.

Absterge can also refer to the act of absorbing or soaking up a substance, such as a liquid or a medicine, into a material or surface. For example, a piece of cloth might be used to absterge a medication from the skin, allowing the medication to be absorbed into the body.

Overall, the term "absterge" is not commonly used in everyday language, but it is an important concept in the field of pharmacy and related fields, where it is used to describe the process of removing or absorbing substances from surfaces and materials.