abessive

[ a-bes-iv ]
/ æˈbɛs ɪv /
Grammar

adjective

noting a case, as in Finnish, whose distinctive function is to indicate absence or lack.

noun

the abessive case.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of abessive

1890–94; < Latin abess(e) to be distant + -ive

Words nearby abessive

aberrant goiter, aberrant regeneration, aberrated, aberration, aberystwyth, abessive, abet, abetalipoproteinemia, abettor, abeyance, abeyant
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020