Abstraction

n. abstract idea; unrealistic idea; act of removing or separating; preoccupation, absentmindedness; abstract work of art

This article is about the concept of abstraction in general. For other uses, see abstraction (disambiguation). Abstraction is the process of generalization by reducing the information content of a concept or an observable phenomenon, typically in order to retain only information which is relevant for a particular purpose. For example, abstracting a leather soccer ball to a ball retains only the information on general ball attributes and behaviour. Similarly, abstracting an emotional state to happiness reduces the amount of information conveyed about the emotional state.
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Noun
1. a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance; "he loved her only in the abstract--not in person"
(synonym) abstract
(hypernym) concept, conception, construct
(hyponym) right
(derivation) abstract
2. the act of withdrawing or removing something
(hypernym) removal, remotion
3. the process of formulating general concepts by abstracting common properties of instances
(synonym) generalization, generalisation
(hypernym) theorization, theorisation
(derivation) abstract
4. an abstract painting
(hypernym) painting, picture
5. preoccupation with something to the exclusion of all else
(synonym) abstractedness
(hypernym) preoccupation, preoccupancy, absorption, engrossment
(hyponym) reverie, revery
6. a general concept formed by extracting common features from specific examples
(hyponym) time
(derivation) abstract

n. abstraction, abstract

(a.)
The taking surreptitiously for one's own use part of the property of another; purloining.
  

(a.)
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 whiteness, softness, virtue, existence, as separate from any particular objects.
  

(a.)
The act of abstracting, separating, or withdrawing, or the state of being withdrawn; withdrawal.
  

(a.)
An idea or notion of an abstract, or theoretical nature; as, to fight for mere abstractions.
  

(a.)
Absence or absorption of mind; inattention to present objects.
  

(a.)
A separation of volatile parts by the act of distillation.
  

(a.)
A separation from worldly objects; a recluse life; as, a hermit's abstraction.