Definition of abstention

competent Definition: (adjective) having the skill and knowledge needed for a particular task; capable Petersons.com

Add Word of the Day to your personalized My Yahoo! page: About My Yahoo! and RSS »

Email this page to a friend

< abstemious

abstinence >

ab·sten·tion    (b-stnshn, b-) KEY  

NOUN:

1. The act or habit of deliberate self-denial.
2. An abstaining vote or voter: 12 ayes, 10 nays, and 8 abstentions.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Late Latin abstenti , abstentin-, from abstentus, past participle of Latin abstinre, to hold back ; see abstain

Visit our partner's site

	Provided by Houghton Mifflin eReference -- Download this interactive reference software to your desktop computer

Search Dictionary:

More on Yahoo! Education

• Online and On-Campus Degree Programs     MBAs  -  Technology Management  -  Education  -  Health  -  More  • College & Grad School - A Comprehensive Guide     College Search  -  Test Prep  -  Application Tips  -  Scholarship Search