adj. & v.
--adj.
1. a not present. b (foll. by from) not present at or in.
2 not existing.
3 inattentive to the matter in hand.
--v.refl.
1. stay away.
2 withdraw.
Derivatives:
absently adv. (in sense 3 of adj.).
Etymology: ME ult. f. L absent- pres. part. of abesse be absent