'abstract' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abstractus', where 'ab-' meant 'away from' and 'trahere' meant 'to draw'.

'abstractus' transformed into the Old French word 'abstraire', and eventually became the modern English word 'abstract' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to draw away', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to summarize or extract the essence of something'.