Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Sense: 1
Date: 1800-1900
Language: Scottish English
Origin: uptake 'to understand' (18-20 centuries).
Sense: 2-3
Date: 1900-2000
Origin: up + take

uptake

 noun
     
up‧take
1

be slow/quick on the uptake

informal to be slow or fast at understanding something
2 [singular] the number of people who use a service or accept something that is offered:
The uptake of some vaccinations fell as the media stirred up fears of possible side effects.
3 [uncountable and countable] the rate at which a substance is taken into the body, a system etc:
the uptake of sugars by the blood
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
 
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