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The act process of leaving out of consideration one or more properties of a complex object so as to attend to others; analysis. Thus, when the mind considers the form of a tree by itself, or the color of the leaves as separate from their size or figure, the act is called abstraction. So, also, when it considers whitene…

Concealed or hidden out of the way. [Obs.] The eternal eye whose sight discerns Abstrusest thoughts. Milton.

Abstruseness; that which is abstruse. [R.] Sir T. Browne.

Act of wasting away; a consuming; extinction. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

an abyss; unfathomable. Abyssal zone (Phys. Geog.), one of the belts or zones into which Sir E. Forbes divides the bottom of the sea in describing its plants, animals, etc. It is the one furthest from the shore, embracing all beyond one hundred fathoms deep. Hence, abyssal animals, plants, etc.

An institution for the study of higher learning; a college or a university. Popularly, a school, or seminary of learning, holding a rank between a college and a common school.

l advancement, contains within itself a principle of acceleration. I. Taylor. (Astr. & Physics.) Acceleration of the moon, the increase of the moon's mean motion in its orbit, in consequence of which its period of revolution is now shorter than in ancient times. -- Acceleration and retardation of the tides. See Primin…

A word; a significant tone; (pl.) expressions in general; speech. Winds! on your wings to Heaven her accents bear, Such words as Heaven alone is fit to hear. Dryden.

One who sings the leading part; the director or leader. [Obs.]

Acceptance. [R.] Here's a proof of gift, But here's no proof, sir, of acceptancy. Mrs. Browning.

Pertaining to accession; additional. [R.] Sir T. Browne.

Literally, a befalling; an event that takes place without one's foresight or expectation; an undesigned, sudden, and unexpected event; chance; contingency; often, an undesigned and unforeseen occurrence of an afflictive or unfortunate character; a casualty; a mishap; as, to die by an accident. Of moving accidents by fl…

lace not according to the usual course of things; casual; fortuitous; as, an accidental visit.

Sloth; torpor. [Obs.] "The sin of accidie." Chaucer.

A slope or inclination of the earth, as the side of a hill, considered as ascending, in opposition to declivity, or descending; an upward slope; ascent.

To lie or sail along the coast or side of; to accost. [Obs.] Whether high towering or accosting low. Spenser.

t; -- followed by to. "The organization of the body with accommodation to its functions." Sir M. Hale.

Sociable. [Obs.] Sir P. Sidney.

o along with; -- followed by with or by; as, he accompanied his speech with a bow. The Persian dames, . . . In sumptuous cars, accompanied his march. Glover. They are never alone that are accompanied with noble thoughts. Sir P. Sidney. He was accompanied by two carts filled with wounded rebels. Macaulay.…

The state of being an accomplice. [R.] Sir H. Taylor.