Take in (3)
'take in' is the definition.
(synonyms)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for absorb that I've seen before include "Assimilate or soak up" , "Suck up, as a sponge" , "Carved figure" , "hold" , "Take in, water or knowledge" .)
'take in' is the definition.
(to eat is to take in food)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for eat that I've seen before include "Gobble up" , "Be corrosive" , "put away" , "Ingest" , "Dine in a restaurant" .)