ENGLISH
REFERENCE

abd

US //ˌeɪˌbiˈdi// abd
  1. 1 the stomach area (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

    a short way to write or say 'abdomen', which is the part of your body containing the stomach.

    a standard medical abbreviation for the abdomen. Frequently used in clinical documentation and physical examination notes.

    Example

    The doctor wrote 'soft abd' in the patient's medical notes after the exam.

    Example

    The surgical resident noted that the patient presented with a distended abd and localized tenderness in the lower right quadrant.

    Usage

    Commonly used in written medical charts or spoken among healthcare professionals.

  2. 2 all but dissertation (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    describes a student who has finished all their PhD classes but hasn't finished their final big project yet.

    describes a doctoral candidate who has completed all coursework and examinations but has yet to complete the required dissertation.

    Example

    He has been abd for three years while working a full-time job.

    Example

    Although she is currently abd, she has already secured a tenure-track position contingent upon the successful defense of her thesis by August.

    Usage

    Used as a post-nominal or descriptive status in higher education.

Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 abdominal muscle (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Sport

    a short name for one of the muscles in your stomach area.

    a colloquial shortening of 'abdominal muscle', typically used in the plural to refer to the rectus abdominis.

    Example

    He did fifty sit-ups every morning to strengthen his abds.

    Example

    The trainer emphasized that core stability involves more than just visible abds; it requires deep muscular engagement.

    Usage

    Almost always used in the plural form 'abds' or more commonly 'abs'.

© 2026 English Reference