The expression “coffee break” was first attested in 1952 in glossy magazine advertisements by the Pan-American Coffee Bureau.
ABDUCTION
abduction
(noun) (physiology) moving of a body part away from the central axis of the body
abduction
(noun) the criminal act of capturing and carrying away by force a family member; if a man’s wife is abducted it is a crime against the family relationship and against the wife
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
abduction (countable and uncountable, plural abductions)
Leading away; a carrying away. [Early 17th century.]
(anatomy) The act of abducing or abducting; a drawing apart; the movement which separates a limb or other part from the axis, or middle line, of the body. [Mid 17th century.]
(logic) A syllogism or form of argument in which the major premise is evident, but the minor is only probable. [Late 17th century.]
The wrongful, and usually forcible, carrying off of a human being. [Mid 18th century.]
Usage notes
• In Gregg shorthand (version: Centennial, Series 90, DJS, Simplified, Anniversary, Pre-Anniversary) the word is represented: a - b - d - u - k - sh
Synonyms
• (legal, carrying off of human being): appropriation; kidnapping; seizure; withdrawal
• (logic): retroduction; abstraction
Antonyms
• (physiology): adduction
replacement; restitution; restoration; surrender; reinstatement
Source: Wiktionary
Ab*duc"tion, n. Etym: [L. abductio: cf. F. abduction.]
1. The act of abducing or abducting; a drawing apart; a carrying away. Roget.
2. (Physiol.)
Definition: The movement which separates a limb or other part from the axis, or middle line, of the body.
3. (Law)
Definition: The wrongful, and usually the forcible, carrying off of a human being; as, the abduction of a child, the abduction of an heiress.
4. (Logic)
Definition: A syllogism or form of argument in which the major is evident, but the minor is only probable.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
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Word of the Day
9 May 2025
RIGHT
(noun) anything in accord with principles of justice; “he feels he is in the right”; “the rightfulness of his claim”
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