abstract

/ˈæbstrækt/
verb
  1. To remove or separate something from a larger whole, especially in a thoughtful or careful way.
    • You can abstract the main idea from this paragraph.
    • The chemist abstracted the pure substance from the mixture.
    • The scientist abstracted the key data from the long report.
  2. To create a summary of a longer text.
    • Her job was to abstract articles for the research journal.
    • The assistant abstracted the meeting notes for the team.
    • He abstracted the book into a two-page summary.
adjective
  1. Relating to ideas or qualities rather than physical objects or events.
    • The concept of love is abstract and hard to define.
    • In math class, we studied abstract numbers instead of counting apples.
    • She prefers abstract art that makes you think, not realistic paintings.
  2. Not representing things in a realistic way; using shapes, colors, and forms instead.
    • He created an abstract sculpture that looked like a twisted metal ribbon.
    • Her abstract photography focused on patterns and shadows.
    • The museum had a room full of abstract paintings with bold colors.
noun
  1. A short summary of a longer piece of writing, such as a research article or report.
    • The conference asked for an abstract of no more than 250 words.
    • Before reading the whole paper, she checked the abstract to see if it was relevant.
    • He wrote a clear abstract that explained the main findings of his study.
  2. An abstract work of art, especially a painting or sculpture.
    • The abstract on the wall looked like a splash of blue and yellow.
    • She bought a small abstract to hang in her living room.
    • The gallery featured a colorful abstract by a famous modern artist.
Synonyms