(idiomatic) In understanding or in the ability to absorb new information; especially in the phrases "quick on the uptake" and "slow on the uptake".

Understanding; comprehension. / Absorption, especially of food or nutrient by an organism. / The act of lifting or taking up. / (dated) A chimney.

(archaic) To take up, to lift. / To absorb, as food or a drug by an organism. / To accept and begin to use, as a new practice.

plural of uptake

(linguistics) A speech act that takes up a topic raised by a previous speaker.

plural of uptaker

present participle of uptake

An understanding; comprehension.

plural of uptaking

(idiomatic) Able to readily understand things; aware and intelligent.