abstract

English

/ˈæbˌstɹækt/, /ˈæbˌstɹækt/, /ˌæbˈstɹækt/, /ˌæbˈstɹækt/

noun
Definitions
  • An abridgement or summary of a longer publication.
  • Something that concentrates in itself the qualities of a larger item, or multiple items.
  • An abstraction; an abstract term; that which is abstract.
  • The theoretical way of looking at things; something that exists only in idealized form.
  • (arts) An abstract work of art.
  • (real estate) A summary title of the key points detailing a tract of land, for ownership; abstract of title.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English abstract borrowed from Latin abstractus (drawn away, drawn away from).

Origin

Latin

abstractus

Gloss

drawn away, drawn away from

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms