ab-ex

noun

ˈab-ˈeks 

variants or Ab Ex

informal

: abstract expressionism

If Abstract Expressionism was a response to a world out of balance, Minimalism was a response to Ab Ex, replacing self-expression with intellectual analysis …

—Mary Thomas, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 5 Aug. 2009

ab-ex adjective

or Ab-Ex

informal

By the end of the 1940s Ab-Ex painters were turning out oversized canvases with the energy, zeal and heroism to be found only in post-World War II America.

—Robert Goff, Forbes, 4 May 1998

Word History

Etymology

by shortening

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!