Definition of "absence"

A state of being away or withdrawn from a place or from companionship  examples

The period of someone being away.  quotations  examples

Failure to be present where one is expected, wanted, or needed; nonattendance; deficiency.  quotations  examples

Lack; deficiency; nonexistence.  quotations  examples

Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind).  quotations  examples

(medicine) Temporary loss or disruption of consciousness, with sudden onset and recovery, and common in epilepsy.  examples

(fencing) Lack of contact between blades.  examples