Abstractedness

The state of being abstracted. Abstract'er, n. One who abstracts. Abstraction, n. [Fr.] The act of abstracting; -absence of mind; inattention to present objects. (Psychol.) That operation of the mind by which it takes cognizance of qualities separately from the thing in which they exist; as, for example, of whitene , apart from snow, from lime, from milk, or from any other substance or liquid. An abstraction is the idea which is the result of the above proce , - an abstract idea, which, however fugitive in itself, speedily clings to a word, and becomes incorporate with it. The question whether abstract ideas, such as beauty, truth, time, space, have any real existence, or are only forms of things and wholly relative, is, and always has been, the great bone of metaphysical contention. It was the point in dispute between the Realists and Nominalists of the middle ages, and still divides thinkers into two great schools. (See Personification .) (Law.) The taking surreptitiously for one's own use part of the property of another. ( Chem .) A separation of volatile parts by the act of distillation. Abstractive, a. Having the power of abstraction. Abstractively, adv . In an abstracted manner. Abstractly, adv . In an abstract state or manner. Ab's tract ne , n. The quality of being abstract. Abstringe', v. a. [Lat. abstringere.] To unbind. (o.) Abstruse', a. [Lat. abstrusus .] Difficult to be comprehended or understood. Abstrusely, adv . In an abstruse manner; obscurely. Abstruse'ne , n. The quality of being abstruse. Absume', v. a. [Lat. absumere.] To waste; to consume. Absurd', a. [Fr. absurde .] Unreasonable, without judgment; applied to men; -inconsistent, contrary to reason; applied to sentiment or practice.