Definition of: absent

(ab′sənt) adjective
1. Not present.
2. Lacking; missing: nonexistent: In some fishes the ribs are absent.
3. Inattentive; absent-minded. See synonyms under INATTENTIVE.
—v.t. (absent′) To take or keep (oneself) away; not be present. [<L absens, -entis, ppr. of abesse <ab- away + esse be]
—ab·sen·ta·tion (ab′sən·tā′shən) noun
—ab·sent′er noun
—ab′sent·ly adverb
—ab′sent·ness noun