Webster's English Dictionary

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abrupt

Cross references:
  1. precipitate            2. steep                 
 
abrupt \*-'br*pt\ \*-'br*p-(t)le-\ \*-'br*p(t)-n*s\ aj [L abruptus, fr. pp. 
   of abrumpere to break off, fr. ab- + ]rumpere to break - more at REAVE 1: 
   broken off; also : suddenly terminating as is cut or broken off  {~ plant 
   filaments} 2a: SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED  2b: unceremoniously curt {~ manner}  2c: 
   marked by sudden changes in subject matter : DISCONNECTED  3: rising or 
   dropping sharply : PRECIPITOUS  - abrupt.ly av