First, absorption helps people by preventing high-energy radiation from reaching the surface which limits our exposure to harmful radiation. The atmosphere absorbs most of the radiation from the ultraviolet region through the X-ray region. The second way in which absorption helps the earth is as a heat source for it.
*lean times (ahead). Fig. a future period of lowered income or revenue; a future period when there will be shortages of goods and suffering. (*Typically: be ~; cause ~; have ~; mean ~ .) The economy is going sour which means lean times ahead.
Dictionary entry overview: What does lean mean? â¢ LEAN (noun) The noun LEAN has 1 sense: 1. the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical Familiarity information: LEAN used as a noun is very rare. â¢ LEAN (adjective) The adjective LEAN has 4 senses: 1. lacking excess flesh 2. lacking in mineral content or combustible material 3. containing little excess 4. not profitable or prosperous Familiarity information: LEAN used as an adjective is uncommon. â¢ LEAN (verb) The verb LEAN has 5 senses: 1. to incline or bend from a vertical position 2. cause to lean or incline 3. have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined 4. rely on for support 5. cause to lean to the side Familiarity information: LEAN used as a verb is common.