absence absence /ˈæbsəns/

noun

1. () The state of being absent  ( absence )
   the state of being absent
    He was surprised by the absence of any explanation
   he was surprised by the absence of any explanation
   
2. () Failure to be present  ( absence )
   failure to be present
     His absence from the meeting was noticed by everyone.
   His absence from the meeting was noticed by everyone.
   
3. The occurrence of an abrupt, transient loss or impairment of consciousness (which is not subsequently remembered), sometimes with light twitching, fluttering eyelids, etc.; common in petit mal epilepsy  ( absence , absence seizure )
   the occurrence of an abrupt, transient loss or impairment of consciousness (which is not subsequently remembered), sometimes with light twitching, fluttering eyelids, etc.; common in petit mal epilepsy
   
4. The time interval during which something or somebody is away  ( absence )
   the time interval during which something or somebody is away
    He visited during my absence
   he visited during my absence