ab
ab — noun
- absingular
- absplural
1. one muscle at the front of the stomach area, or the group of muscles there, espe
one muscle at the front of the stomach area, or the group of muscles there, especially in exercise and fitness talk
After two months of swimming, Bilal's ab was much stronger.
an ab = one stomach muscle
The trainer told Sumin to tighten her abs before lifting the box.
tighten your abs before movement
Lien laughed when the sit-ups made her abs shake.
Owen felt a sharp pull in his left ab during practice.
- abdominal muscle
the full, more formal term used in anatomy or medical contexts
- core muscle
broader — includes muscles beyond the front stomach area
文法句型
an ab
your abs
work your abs
用法筆記
In fitness talk, the plural 'abs' is much more common than the singular form. The singular usually means one particular muscle or one side of the stomach area.
常見錯誤
ab — abbreviation
1. a short written form of 'about', used in quick notes and messages to show that a
a short written form of 'about', used in quick notes and messages to show that a number, amount, or time is not exact
On the recipe card, Ignacio wrote ab 200 grams of flour.
ab + number in a quick note
Bilal texted that the bus would arrive ab ten minutes late.
Sumin circled ab thirty guests on the party planning sheet.
In her notebook, Lien marked the walk as ab five kilometres.
文法句型
ab + number
ab + time
ab + amount
用法筆記
This shortened form is mainly for informal writing such as notes, texts, or lists. In formal writing, people usually write the full word 'about' instead.
常見錯誤
2. a short written form of 'abortion', used in medical notes, reports, or service l
a short written form of 'abortion', used in medical notes, reports, or service listings where space is limited
The clinic leaflet used ab as shorthand when listing abortion services.
ab in a medical service list
In the case notes, Christopher wrote ab instead of the full word.
Sade found the label ab confusing until the nurse explained it.
The report used ab only in a table of reproductive health terms.
- abortion
the full form, clearer and more suitable for most readers
文法句型
ab in notes
ab in table
ab services
用法筆記
Because this abbreviation can be unclear or sensitive, many writers avoid it outside specialist notes and use the full word instead. It belongs to written contexts, not normal speech.
常見錯誤
3. the two-letter written short form for Alberta, a province in western Canada, esp
the two-letter written short form for Alberta, a province in western Canada, especially in postal addresses
The parcel label ended with Calgary, AB, followed by the postal code.
city, AB in mailing address
Kabir wrote Edmonton, AB on the customs form at the airport.
A moving box was addressed to Red Deer, AB, Canada.
Joshua checked that AB was the correct province code before mailing the card.
- Alberta
the full provincial name used in ordinary sentences
文法句型
city, AB
AB postal code
AB, Canada
用法筆記
This short form appears in Canadian addresses and other official labels. It is written in capital letters and is usually not spoken aloud as separate letters in ordinary conversation.
常見錯誤
4. a written short form used for the university degree 'Bachelor of Arts', especial
a written short form used for the university degree 'Bachelor of Arts', especially on diplomas, resumes, and official records
Esme's diploma listed an AB in history from Yale University.
an AB in [subject]
On the alumni form, Ignacio entered AB beside his graduation year.
The museum guide had an AB in classics before studying archaeology.
Her resume showed AB, then a master's degree in public policy.
- Bachelor of Arts
the full degree name used when space is not limited
- BA
the more common modern abbreviation for the same degree
- BS
a different bachelor's degree, usually focused more on science
文法句型
an AB in [subject]
earn an AB
AB degree
用法筆記
Some universities, especially older American ones, use 'AB' instead of the more widely known 'BA'. It belongs to written academic contexts such as transcripts, diplomas, and resumes.