abstraction Hear it!

abstraction definition

ab·strac·tion (ab strak′s̸hən)

noun

  1. an abstracting or being abstracted; removal
  2. formation of an idea, as of the qualities or properties of a thing, by mental separation from particular instances or material objects
  3. an idea so formed, or a word or term for it “honesty” and “whiteness” are abstractions
  4. an unrealistic or impractical notion
  5. mental withdrawal; absent-mindedness
  6. an abstract quality
  7. a picture, statue, etc. that is wholly or partly abstract

Etymology: ME abstraccioun < LL abstractio: see abstract

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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