concrete

con•crete

[[t]ˈkɒn krit, ˈkɒŋ-, kɒnˈkrit, kɒŋ-[/t]] adj. n. v. -cret•ed, -cret•ing

1) constituting an actual thing or instance; real; perceptible; substantial:

concrete proof[/ex]

2) pertaining to or concerned with realities or actual instances rather than abstractions; particular as opposed to general:

concrete proposals[/ex]

3) referring to an actual substance or thing, as opposed to an abstract quality:

The words “cat,”“water,” and “teacher” are concrete, whereas the words “truth,”“excellence,” and “adulthood” are abstract[/ex]

4) bui made of concrete:

concrete blocks[/ex]

5) formed by coalescence of separate particles into a mass; united in a coagulated, condensed, or solid mass or state

6) bui an artificial, stonelike building material made by mixing cement and various aggregates, as sand, gravel, or shale, with water and allowing the mixture to harden

Compare reinforced concrete

7) bui any of various other artificial building or paving materials, as those containing tar

8) a concrete idea or term; a word or notion referring to an actual thing or instance

9) a mass formed by coalescence or concretion of particles of matter

10) to treat or lay with concrete

11) to form into a mass by coalescence of particles; render solid

12) to make real, tangible, or particular

13) to coalesce into a mass; become solid; harden

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Etymology: 1375–1425; late ME < L concrētus composed, formed, solid, orig. ptp. of concrēscere to harden < crēscere to grow, increase con•crete′ly, adv. con•crete′ness, n.