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abundant

adj.
US //əˈbəndənt// UK //ɐbˈʌndənt// abun·dant
  1. 1 plentiful (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    existing in large quantities; more than enough.

    present in great quantity; fully sufficient or overflowing.

    Example

    The island has abundant fresh water and fruit, so nobody goes hungry.

    Example

    The region is famous for its abundant natural resources, which have fueled industrial growth for over a century.

    Usage

    Often used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be'.
  2. 2 richly supplied with (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    having a lot of something good or useful.

    richly supplied or abounding with a particular resource or quality; typically follows the pattern 'abundant in'.

    Example

    The valley is abundant in wildlife, especially rare birds.

    Example

    The local diet is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which researchers believe contributes to the population's longevity.

    Usage

    Frequently takes the preposition 'in'.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is more formal than simply saying 'has a lot of'.
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  1. 3 abundant number (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    a special kind of number in math where its parts add up to more than the number itself.

    referring to a natural number for which the sum of its proper divisors is greater than the number itself.

    Example

    The number 12 is abundant because its divisors 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 add up to 16.

    Example

    In number theory, an abundant number is distinguished from perfect and deficient numbers by the sum of its aliquot parts.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a highly specialized mathematical term and is rarely encountered in general English.
Origin

First attested about 1380. From Middle English abundaunt, habundaunt, aboundant, from Anglo-Norman abundant, from Old French abondant, from Latin abundāns, present participle of abundō (“to overflow, to abound”). Compare abound.

Word family

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