'non-absorptive' is formed by the negative prefix 'non-' (meaning 'not') attached to 'absorptive.' 'Non-' comes from Latin 'non' via Old French/Latin usage as a negative particle; 'absorptive' derives from Latin root 'absorbere' (see below) with the adjectival suffix '-ive' from Latin '-ivus.'

'absorptive' comes from Latin 'absorbere' ('ab-' meaning 'away' + a form related to 'sorbere'/'sorbēre' meaning 'to suck in'). The Latin entered Old French and Middle English as forms like 'absorberen'/'absorber', and the adjective 'absorptive' developed via the Latin/French adjectival suffix '-ivus' into modern English. The prefix 'non-' was later compounded to create 'non-absorptive.'

Originally, the Latin root referred to 'sucking in' or 'taking away by suction' and more generally 'taking in.' Over time, the meaning broadened to 'taking in or soaking up' (liquid, energy, information). 'Non-absorptive' has consistently meant 'not taking in' in modern usage.