abstract

²ab·stract

noun \ˈab-ˌstrakt, in sense 2 also ab-ˈ\

Definition of ABSTRACT

1

: a summary of points (as of a writing) usually presented in skeletal form; also : something that summarizes or concentrates the essentials of a larger thing or several things

2

: an abstract thing or state (see ¹abstract)

3

: abstraction 4a

Examples of ABSTRACT

1. an artist admired for his abstracts
2. <the scientist wrote a bare-bones abstract of his research and conclusions>

Origin of ABSTRACT

Middle English, from Latin abstractus (see ¹abstract)

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to ABSTRACT

Synonyms: summary, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation, epitome, inventory, outline, précis, recap, recapitulation, résumé (or resume also resumé), roundup, rundown, run-through, sum, summa, summarization, summing-up, sum-up, synopsis, wrap-up

Related Words: abbreviation, abridgment (or abridgement), compend, compendium, condensation, curtailment, shortening; simplification, streamlining; rehash, reprise; conclusion, epilogue (also epilog)

Near Antonyms: amplification, enlargement, expansion; addendum, supplement

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Fine Arts Terms

Gothic, baroque, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato