take up (v. trans.)

1.take possession of"She entered upon the estate of her rich relatives"

2.pursue or resume"take up a matter for consideration"

3.return to a previous location or condition"The painting resumed its old condition when we restored it"

4.adopt"take up new ideas"

5.take up as if with a sponge

6.take out or up with or as if with a scoop"scoop the sugar out of the container"

7.take in, also metaphorically"The sponge absorbs water well" "She drew strength from the minister's words"

8.take up a liquid or a gas either by adsorption or by absorption

9.accept"The cloth takes up the liquid"

10.occupy or take on"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"

11.take up and practice as one's own

12.begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job"Take up a position" "start a new job"

13.turn one's interest to"He took up herpetology at the age of fifty"

14.take up time or space"take up the slack"

take-up (n.)

1.the action of taking up as by tightening or absorption or reeling in

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