Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Abstraction
1.
The act of abstracting, separating, or withdrawing, or the state of being withdrawn; withdrawal.
A wrongful
abstraction
of wealth from certain members of the community. J. S. Mill.
2.
(Metaph.)
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
So, also, when it considers whiteness, softness, virtue, existence, as separate from any particular objects. abstraction
. ☞
Abstraction
is necessary to classification, by which things are arranged in genera and species. We separate in idea the qualities of certain objects, which are of the same kind, from others which are different, in each, and arrange the objects having the same properties in a class, or collected body. Abstraction
is no positive act: it is simply the negative of attention. Sir W. Hamilton.
3.
An idea or notion of an abstract, or theoretical nature;
as, to fight for mere
. abstractions
4.
A separation from worldly objects; a recluse life;
as, a hermit’s
. abstraction
5.
Absence or absorption of mind; inattention to present objects.
6.
The taking surreptitiously for one's own use part of the property of another; purloining.
[Modern]
7.
(Chem.)
A separation of volatile parts by the act of distillation.
Nicholson.
Webster 1828 Edition
Abstraction
ABSTRAC'TION
,Noun.
1.
The act of separating, or state of being separated.2.
The operation of the mind when occupied by abstract ideas; as when we contemplate some particular part, or property of a complex object, as separate from the rest. Thus, when the mind considers the branch of a tree by itself, or the color of the leaves, as separate from their size or figure, the act is abstraction. so also, when it considers whiteness, softness, virtue, existence, as separate from any particular objects.The power which the understanding has of separating the combinations which are presented to it, is distinguished by logicians, by the name of abstraction.
Abstraction is the ground-work of classification, by which things are arranged in orders, genera, and species. We separate in idea the qualities of certain objects which are of the same kind, from others which are different in each, and arrange the objects having the same properties in a class, or collected body.
3.
A separation from worldly objects, a recluse life; as a hermit's abstraction.4.
Absence of mind; inattention to present objects.5.
In the process of distillation, the term is used to denote the separation of the volatile parts, which rise, come over, and are condensed in a receiver, from those which are fixed. It is chiefly used, when a fluid is repeatedly poured upon any substance in a retort, and distilled off, to change its state, or the nature of its composition.