Definition of ABSENCE

absence

Meanings

Plural: absences

Noun

  • the state of being absent
    • "he was surprised by the absence of any explanation"
  • failure to be present
  • the time interval during which something or somebody is away
    • "he visited during my absence"
  • the occurrence of an abrupt, transient loss or impairment of consciousness (which is not subsequently remembered), sometimes with light twitching, fluttering eyelids, etc.; common in petit mal epilepsy
  • A state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship
  • The period of someone being away.
  • Failure to be present where one is expected, wanted, or needed; nonattendance; deficiency.
  • Lack; deficiency; non-existence.
  • Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind).
  • Temporary loss or disruption of consciousness, with sudden onset and recovery, and common in epilepsy.
  • Lack of contact between blades.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English absence, from Old French absence, ausence, from Latin absentia, from absēns (“absent”), present active participle of absum (“I am away or absent”), from ab (“from, away from”) + sum (“I am”).

Synonyms

absence seizure, missingness

Scrabble Score: 11

absence is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
absence is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
absence is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

absence is a valid Words With Friends word