take-up

(noun) any of various devices for reducing slack (as in a sewing machine) or taking up motion (as in a loom). Example: "A take-up that winds photographic film on a spool."

(noun) the action of taking up as by tightening or absorption or reeling in.

(verb) pursue or resume. Synonyms: take up. Example: "Take up a matter for consideration."

(verb) adopt. Synonyms: take up, latch on, fasten on, hook on, seize on. Example: "Take up new ideas."

(verb) turn one's interest to. Synonyms: take up. Example: "He took up herpetology at the age of fifty."

(verb) take up time or space. Synonyms: take up. Example: "Take up the slack."

(verb) begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job. Synonyms: start, take up. Examples: "Take up a position." "Start a new job."

(verb) take up and practice as one's own. Synonyms: adopt, borrow, take over, take up.

(verb) occupy or take on. Synonyms: assume, take, strike, take up. Examples: "He assumes the lotus position." "She took her seat on the stage." "We took our seats in the orchestra." "She took up her position behind the tree." "Strike a pose."

(verb) take up a liquid or a gas either by adsorption or by absorption. Synonyms: sorb, take up.

(verb) take out or up with or as if with a scoop. Synonyms: scoop, scoop out, lift out, scoop up, take up. Example: "Scoop the sugar out of the container."

(verb) accept. Synonyms: take in, take up. Example: "The cloth takes up the liquid."

(verb) take in, also metaphorically. Synonyms: absorb, suck, imbibe, soak up, sop up, suck up, draw, take in, take up. Examples: "The sponge absorbs water well." "She drew strength from the minister's words."

(verb) take up as if with a sponge. Synonyms: take in, sop up, suck in, take up.

(verb) return to a previous location or condition. Synonyms: resume, take up. Example: "The painting resumed its old condition when we restored it."