abstract

Definition

An abridgement or summary of a longer publication.

Etymology

From Middle English abstract, borrowed from Latin abstractus, perfect passive participle of abstrahō (“draw away”), formed from abs- (“away”) + trahō (“to pull, draw”). The verbal sense is first attested in 1542.

Example Sentences

• "An analysis and abstract of every treatise he had read."
• "Man, the abstract Of all perfection, which the workmanship Of Heaven hath modeled."
• "Thus the concrete like has its abstract likeness; the concretes, father and son, have the abstracts, paternity and filiation."