In this case, the substance is the atmosphere. When the atmosphere absorbs energy, the result is an irreversible transformation of radiation into another form of energy. This energy is transformed according to the nature of the medium doing the absorbing. The absorbing medium can also do much more. The medium will only absorb a portion of the total energy.
Drawn from a book title, the phrase has taken on a broader meaning. If you've paid any attention to business in the last few years, it's likely that you've heard a lot about leaning in. Headlines and book titles encourage us to lean in to innovation, or tell companies to lean in, or detail education without leaning in..
If you lean on something, you incline your body against it, like the way you lean against a wall while waiting in line. If you lean on a person, you rely on her for moral support, like the way you lean on your best friend when you're feeling sad or worried. If youâre tired, lean back in your chair. If youâre broke, lean on your family for financial help. But something can lean all by itself, if itâs not standing straight.