Com`pre*hen"sion (?), n. [L. comprehensio: cf. F. compr'ehension.]

1.

The act of comprehending, containing, or comprising; inclusion.

In the Old Testament there is a close comprehension of the New; in the New, an open discovery of the Old. Hooker.

2.

That which is comrehended or inclosed within narrow limits; a summary; an epitome.

[Obs.]

Though not a catalogue of fundamentals, yet . . . a comprehension of them. Chillingworth.

3.

The capacity of the mind to perceive and understand; the power, act, or process of grasping with the intellect; perception; understanding; as, a comprehension of abstract principles.

4. Logic

The complement of attributes which make up the notion signified by a general term.

5. Rhet.

A figure by which the name of a whole is put for a part, or that of a part for a whole, or a definite number for an indefinite.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.