Defn: The quality of being absorptive; absorptive power.
ABSORPTIVITY
Ab`sorp*tiv"i*ty, n.
Defn: Absorptiveness.
ABSQUATULATE
Ab*squat"u*late, v. i.
Defn: To take one's self off; to decamp. [A jocular word. U. S.]
ABSQUE HOC
Abs"que hoc
Defn: . Etym: [L., without this.] (Law) The technical words of denial used in traversing what has been alleged, and is repeated.
ABSTAIN
Ab*stain", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Abstained; p. pr. & vb. n.
Abstaining.] Etym: [OE. absteynen, abstenen, OF. astenir, abstenir,
F. abstenir, fr. L. abstinere, abstentum, v. t. & v. i., to keep
from; ab, abs + tenere to hold. See Tenable.]
Defn: To hold one's self aloof; to forbear or refrain voluntarily,
and especially from an indulgence of the passions or appetites; —
with from.
Not a few abstained from voting. Macaulay.
Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt Shak.
Syn. — To refrain; forbear; withhold; deny one's self; give up; relinquish.