1. (

• abstraction ,
• abstract

) a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance; "he loved her only in the abstract;

2. (

• outline ,
• synopsis ,
• abstract ,
• precis

) a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory ;

1. (

• abstract

) consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically ;

2. (

• pilfer ,
• cabbage ,
• purloin ,
• pinch ,
• abstract ,
• snarf ,
• swipe ,
• hook ,
• sneak ,
• filch ,
• nobble ,
• lift

) make off with belongings of others ;

3. (

• abstract ,

) consider apart from a particular case or instance; "Let's abstract away from this particular example" ;

4. (

• abstract

) give an abstract (of) ;

1. (

• abstract

) existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment; "abstract words like `truth' and `justice'" ;

2. (

• abstract ,
• abstractionist ,
• nonfigurative ,
• nonobjective

) not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature; "a large abstract painting" ;

3. (

• abstract

) dealing with a subject in the abstract without practical purpose or intention; "abstract reasoning"; "abstract science" ;