Definitions of abstract:

• noun:   a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance

  Example: "He loved her only in the abstract--not in person"

• noun:   a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory
• verb:   consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically
• verb:   consider apart from a particular case or instance

  Example: "Let's abstract away from this particular example"

• verb:   give an abstract (of)
• verb:   make off with belongings of others
• adjective:   not representing or imitating external reality or the objects of nature

  Example: "A large abstract painting"

• adjective:   existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment

  Example: "Abstract words like `truth' and `justice'"

• adjective:   dealing with a subject in the abstract without practical purpose or intention

  Example: "Abstract reasoning"

• adjective:   based on specialized theory