abs

Everyday

1. (informal) Abs are the stomach muscles; it is short for abdominal muscles. tree →
2. ABS (in capitals) stands for anti-lock braking system, which stops a car's wheels locking when the driver brakes hard. tree →
3. ABS is also a hard plastic used for things like LEGO bricks. tree →

In the lessons

In PE and health it names the core muscles at the front of the tummy. In cars and design lessons ABS is a safety system or a material. Phrases: work your abs, six-pack abs, ABS brakes.

Examples

• Sit-ups help to strengthen your abs. tree →
• The coach said, "Tighten your abs and keep your back straight." tree →
• The car has ABS, so it can steer while braking hard. tree →
• LEGO bricks are made of ABS plastic. tree →
• Strong abs help you keep good posture. tree →
• He showed off his abs at the beach. tree →

Note

Abs is a clipped form of abdominals and is always plural. ABS is an abbreviation, said A-B-S. Myth: doing only sit-ups does not remove tummy fat from one spot.