ablative
/ˈæblətɪv/
noun
- A grammatical case in some languages (like Latin) that typically expresses separation, movement away from something, or the means by which something is done.
- In Latin, the word 'puella' becomes 'puellā' in the ablative to mean 'by the girl'.
- Students learning Latin must memorize the endings for the ablative case.
- The ablative is often used after prepositions like 'cum' (with) and 'sine' (without).
adjective
- Relating to or denoting the grammatical case that expresses separation, instrumentality, or the means by which something is done.
- An ablative construction can show the tool used to perform an action.
- This Latin sentence uses an ablative phrase to indicate the agent of the action.
- The teacher explained the ablative function of the preposition 'ab' (from).
- Relating to the removal or erosion of material, especially by melting, vaporization, or chipping away.
- Engineers tested the ablative coating on the rocket nozzle.
- The spacecraft's ablative heat shield protected it during re-entry.
- Ablative materials are designed to carry away heat by burning off slowly.