A
abacus(AB i kuhs) n. a frame with beads on wires in rows of fives and twos
separated by a “reckoning bar,” of Chinese origin
- The abacusis one of the earliest arithmetic calculators.
- Don’t confuse an abacuswith the very similar Japanese sorobanthat has
rows of beads split into fours and ones.
aberration(ab oer AY shin) n. 1. a departure from the normal; 2. a deviation
from what is right or correct - Barbara’s taking the shortcut home was an aberrationfrom her normal driv-
ing pattern. - Jack was prone to mental aberrationsthat caused him to believe he was
being persecuted.
abeyance(uh BAY ins) n. a temporary suspension or delay of a function or
activity - The rainstorm caused the baseball game to be held in abeyance.
- The judge decided to hold sentencing in abeyanceuntil the convicted per-
son’s counsel could arrange for character witnesses.
abjure(ab JOOR) vt. 1. to give up rights, allegiance, and so on under oath; to
renounce; 2. to recant - By his divorce agreement, Ken abjuredall rights to the family car.
- On cross-examination, Doris abjuredher previous testimony about having
seen the burglar.
[-d, abjuring] [Syn. renounce]
abrade(uh BRAYD) vt. scrape; wear out by rubbing; rub off - Sally used a pumice stone to abradethe dead skin off her right foot.
- Sanding is a good way to abraderough spots off a piece of furniture before
applying the finish. - Grinding wheels are used to abrademetal objects.
[-d, abrading] [Syn. scrape]
abrogate(AB ruh GAYT) vt. to repeal or cancel (by authority); annul - Only a court has the right to abrogatea wedding.
- You may not abrogateyour obligation to support your children unless a
court rules so.
[-d, abrogating] [Syn. abolish]
accretion(uh KREE shin) n. 1. growth in size, especially by addition or accu-
mulation of material; 2. accumulated matter - The accretionof sand brought in by the ocean has caused certain beaches to
grow in size. - Regular brushing is needed to remove the accretionof plaque on one’s
teeth.
[(to) accrete vi., vt.]
243