take up (Noun) — Any of various devices for reducing slack (as in a sewing machine) or taking up motion (as in a loom). ex. "a take-up that winds photographic film on a spool"
take up (Noun) — The action of taking up as by tightening, absorption or reeling in.
take up (Verb) — Pursue or resume. ex. "take up a matter for consideration"
take up (Verb) — Adopt. ex. "take up new ideas"
take up (Verb) — Turn one's interest to. ex. "He took up herpetology at the age of fifty"
take up (Verb) — Take up time or space. ex. "take up the slack"
take up (Verb) — Begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job. ex. "Take up a position"
take up (Verb) — Take up and practice as one's own.
take up (Verb) — Occupy or take on. ex. "She took up her position behind the tree"
take up (Verb) — (chemistry) take up a liquid or a gas either by adsorption or by absorption.
take up (Verb) — Take out or up with or as if with a scoop.
take up (Verb) — Accept. ex. "The cloth takes up the liquid"
take up (Verb) — Take in, also metaphorically.
take up (Verb) — Take up as if with a sponge.
take up (Verb) — Return to a previous location or condition. ex. "The painting took up its old condition when we restored it"