Abbreviation \Ab*bre`vi*a"tion\, n. [LL. abbreviatio: cf. F.
   abbr['e]viation.]
   1. The act of shortening, or reducing.
      
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   2. The result of abbreviating; an abridgment. --Tylor.
      
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   3. The form to which a word or phrase is reduced by
      contraction and omission; a letter or letters, standing
      for a word or phrase of which they are a part; as, Gen.
      for Genesis; U.S.A. for United States of America.
      
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   4. (Mus.) One dash, or more, through the stem of a note,
      dividing it respectively into quavers, semiquavers, or
      demi-semiquavers. --Moore.
      
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