| abscess |
a collection of pus in body tissue, usu. surrounded by an inflamed area. [2 definitions] |
| abscissa |
the distance of a point from the vertical axis of a graph as measured parallel to the horizontal axis. (Cf. ordinate.) |
| abscond |
to leave suddenly and secretly, esp. to avoid observation or capture. |
| absence |
the state or condition of being away or not present. [3 definitions] |
| absent |
not in the expected or required place. [4 definitions] |
| absentee |
a person who is absent, esp. from duty, work, or property. [2 definitions] |
| absentee ballot |
a ballot to be marked and delivered to an election official before election day because the voter will be unable to be at the polls on that day. |
| absenteeism |
habitual or repeated absence from a place where regular attendance is required, such as work or school. |
| absent-minded |
not paying attention to the immediate task or event because one's mind is preoccupied with other matters. |
| absent without leave |
absent without permission from assigned military duty, but not necessarily with the intention of deserting; AWOL. |
| absinthe |
a bitter green liqueur with high alcohol content, made from wormwood and herbs. [2 definitions] |
| absolute |
precise, exact. [7 definitions] |
| absolutely |
precisely; exactly. [2 definitions] |
| absolute monarchy |
an authoritarian governing system in which a hereditary ruler holds complete power until death. |
| absolute pitch |
the exact pitch of a single musical tone as determined by its rate of vibrations as measured on a standard scale. [2 definitions] |
| absolute power |
complete control over someone or something, esp. of a government or ruler over his citizens. |
| absolute temperature |
temperature measured on a scale in which zero equals the lowest temperature that can be obtained physically. |
| absolute value |
the magnitude of a real number irrespective of its sign; distance of a real number from zero. [2 definitions] |
| absolute zero |
the lowest possible temperature for any known substance, equal to -273.15 degrees Celsius or -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| absolution |
in Christian theology, a declaration of forgiveness of one's sins by a priest after confession and penance. [3 definitions] |
| absolutism |
the principle or practice of absolute, unrestrained governmental power. |