abstract

views updated Jun 08 2018

ab·stract • adj. / abˈstrakt; ˈabˌstrakt/ existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence: abstract concepts such as love or beauty. ∎  dealing with ideas rather than events: the novel was too abstract to sustain much attention. ∎  not based on a particular instance; theoretical: we have been discussing the problem in a very abstract manner. ∎  (of a word, esp. a noun) denoting an idea, quality, or state rather than a concrete object. ∎  of or relating to art that uses shapes, forms, colors, and textures to create suggestive effects rather than realistic images.• v. / abˈstrakt/ [tr.] 1. consider (something) theoretically or separately from something else: abstracting religion from its historical context. ∎  [intr.] form a general idea in this way: he cannot form a general notion by abstracting from particulars.2. extract or remove (something).3. make a written summary of (an article or book): he abstracts material for an online database.• n. / ˈabˌstrakt/ 1. a summary or statement of the contents of a book, article, or formal speech.2. an abstract work of art.3. (the abstract) that which is abstract; the theoretical consideration of something.PHRASES: in the abstract in a general way; without reference to specific instances.DERIVATIVES: ab·stract·ly adv.ab·strac·tor / -tər/ n. (in sense 3 of the v.).

Abstract

views updated May 17 2018

ABSTRACT

To take or withdraw from; as, to abstract the funds of a bank. To remove or separate. To summarize or abridge.

An abstract comprises—or concentrates in itself—the essential qualities of a larger thing—or of several things—in a short, abbreviated form. It differs from a transcript, which is a verbatim copy of the thing itself and is more comprehensive.

cross-references

Abstract of Title.

abstract

views updated Jun 11 2018

abstract adj. XIV, sb. XV. — (O)F. †abstract or L. abstractus, pp. of abstrahere, f. ABS- + trahere draw.
So abstract vb. XV. Partly f. pp. †abstract, partly f. L. abstract-, pp. stem of abstrahere. abstraction XV.

ABSTRACT

views updated Jun 08 2018

ABSTRACT. A summary of a statement, thesis, paper, or other document, usually providing its gist (essential elements and argument). See ABRIDG(E)MENT.