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abundance

Abundance A*bun"dance ([.a]*b[u^]n"dans), n. [OE. (h)abundaunce, abundance, F. abondance, L. abundantia, fr. abundare. See Abound.] An overflowing fullness; ample sufficiency; great plenty; profusion; copious supply; superfluity; wealth: -- strictly applicable to quantity only, but sometimes used of number. [1913 Webster]

It is lamentable to remember what abundance of noble blood hath been shed with small benefit to the Christian state. --Raleigh. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Exuberance; plenteousness; plenty; copiousness; overflow; riches; affluence; wealth.

Usage: Abundance, Plenty, Exuberance. These words rise upon each other in expressing the idea of fullness. Plenty denotes a sufficiency to supply every want; as, plenty of food, plenty of money, etc. Abundance express more, and gives the idea of superfluity or excess; as, abundance of riches, an abundance of wit and humor; often, however, it only denotes plenty in a high degree. Exuberance rises still higher, and implies a bursting forth on every side, producing great superfluity or redundance; as, an exuberance of mirth, an exuberance of animal spirits, etc. [1913 Webster]