abs

¹

[abz]

plural noun

Informal.

1. abdominal muscles.

ABS

²

1. antilock braking system.

abs-

³

1. variant of ab-.

   absent; abscond.

abs.

⁴

abbreviation

1. absent.

2. absolute.

3. abstract.

A.B.S.

⁵

abbreviation

1. American Bible Society.

2. American Bureau of Shipping.

ABS

¹

abbreviation

1. acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene: any of a range of tough copolymers used esp for making moulded articles

abs

²

/ æbz /

plural noun

1. informal,  abdominal muscles

Word History and Origins

Origin of ABS¹

An Americanism dating back to 1980–85; by shortening

Example Sentences

Hours worked rose by 0.5% in September, higher than the 0.1% rise in employment, the ABS said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They work your back, shoulders, abs and lower body, he says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The quest for brick-like abs has become serious business - even if you're still only in Year 8 - with posts on socials with hashtags like #shreddedphysique being viewed more than four billion times.

Read more on BBC

The 37-year-old American looked in incredible shape, with defined abs showing despite the extra weight he has carried for this potential history-making fight.

Read more on BBC

A retired college athlete with blond hair, a killer smile and washboard abs, he was the exact image of what I wasn’t.

Read more on Los Angeles Times