abundance
- n the property of a more than adequate quantity or supply
an age of abundance - n (physics) the ratio of the number of atoms of a specific isotope of an element to the total number of isotopes present
- n (chemistry) the ratio of the total mass of an element in the earth's crust to the total mass of the earth's crust; expressed as a percentage or in parts per million
abuse
- n cruel or inhumane treatment
the child showed signs of physical abuse - n a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
when a student made a stupid mistake he spared them no abuse - n improper or excessive use
alcohol abuse
the abuse of public funds - v treat badly
This boss abuses his workers - v change the inherent purpose or function of something
Don't abuse the system - v use foul or abusive language towards
The actress abused the policeman who gave her a parking ticket - v use wrongly or improperly or excessively
Her husband often abuses alcohol
while she was pregnant, she abused drugs
abutilon
- n herbs or shrubs or small trees: flowering maple; Indian mallow
abutilon theophrasti
- n tall annual herb or subshrub of tropical Asia having velvety leaves and yellow flowers and yielding a strong fiber; naturalized in southeastern Europe and United States
abutment
- n point of contact between two objects or parts
- n a masonry support that touches and directly receives thrust or pressure of an arch or bridge