Water potential gradient between the absorbent and the liquid imbibed is essential for imbibition.

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Understanding Imbibition**: Imbibition is the process through which a solid substance absorbs water without forming a solution. This is crucial for various biological processes in plants.

2. **Identifying Components**: In the context of imbibition:
- The solid substance that absorbs water is called the **absorbent**.
- The water being absorbed is referred to as the **imbibate**.
- The solid substance that participates in imbibition is called the **imbibent**.
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