Absume

/æbˈsuːm/ verb

Definition

To consume, wear away, or use up something completely.

Etymology

From Latin absumere, composed of ab- ('away, off') + sumere ('to take, use'). Related to English 'consume.' The word is extremely rare in modern English but survives in legal and philosophical texts.

Kelly Says

The word 'absume' is essentially dead in modern English—replaced by 'consume,' 'use up,' or 'deplete.' But it perfectly shows how Latin gave English multiple words for similar concepts, and which ones survive depends on historical accidents and popularity, not logic.

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