Crossword Dictionary

[n] the action of taking up as by tightening or absorption or reeling in
[n] a device for reducing slack or taking up lost motion
[v] pursue or resume; "take up a matter for consideration"
[v] return to a previous location or condition; "The painting resumed its old condition when we restored it"
[v] adopt, as of ideas
[v] take up as if with a sponge
[v] take out or up with or as if with a scoop
[v] take in, also metaphorically; "The sponge absorbs water well"; "She drew strength from the minister's words"
[v] take up a liquid or a gas either by adsorption or by absorption; in chemistry
[v] accept; "The cloth takes up the liquid"
[v] occupy or take on, as of a position or posture; "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"
[v] take up and practice as one's own
[v] begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job; "Take up a position"; "start a new job"
[v] turn one's interest to; "He took up herpetology at the age of fifty"
[v] take up time or space; "take up the slack"