absence

Definition

• n. the state of being absent
• n. failure to be present
• n. the time interval during which something or somebody is away
• n. 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

Word forms

Plural

absences

Example sentences

1. n.

   Her absence from the meeting was noticed by everyone.

2. n.

   During the lecture, he fell into a state of absence and missed important points.