n.
Pronunciation: ' ab-st ə -n ə n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin abstinentia, from abstinent-, abstinens, present participle of abstin ē re
Date: 14th century
1 : voluntary forbearance especially from indulgence of an appetite or craving or from eating some foods
2 a : habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages b : abstention from sexual intercourse
– ab · sti · nent \ -n ə nt \ adjective
– ab · sti · nent · ly adverb