ABRUPT', adjective [Latin abruptus, from abrumpo, to break off, of ab and rumpo. See Rupture.]

1. Literally, broken off, or broken short.

Hence,

2. Steep, craggy; applied to rocks, precipices and the like.

3. Figuratively, sudden; without notice to prepare the mind for the event; as an abrupt entrance and address.

4. Unconnected; having sudden transitions from one subject to another; as an abrupt style.

5. In botany, an abrupt pinnate leaf is one which has neither leaflet, nor entril at the end.

ABRUPT', noun A chasm or gulf with steep sides. 'Over the vast abrupt ' [This use of the word is infrequent.]