noun
abstraction
uhb-STRAK-shn
noun
1
The process of considering an idea or quality separately from any specific object.
"Mathematics relies heavily on abstraction to generalize patterns."
2
A general idea or concept, as opposed to something concrete.
"Freedom can feel like a vague abstraction until it's taken away."
3
In computing, the hiding of implementation detail behind a simpler interface.
"Good software design uses abstraction to keep complex code manageable."
How to Use Abstraction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA general idea separated from any one specific example — or, in tech, hiding complexity behind a simple interface.
Common pairings
level of abstraction
a useful abstraction
layer of abstraction
Word Forms
abstractions plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “abstraction”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Mathematics relies heavily on _____ to generalize patterns.
Etymology
From Middle French abstraction or Medieval Latin abstractio, "a separation," based on Latin abstraho, "to draw away."