This word, in its leading uses, is associated with the cosmological notions of the Hebrews, having reference to a supposed illimitable mass of waters from which our earth sprung, and beneath whose profound depths the wicked were punished. Encyc. Brit.
A*byss"al (&?;), a. [Cf. Abysmal.] Belonging to, or resembling, an abyss; unfathomable.
Abyssal zone (Phys. Geog.), one of the belts or zones into which Sir E. Forbes divides the bottom of the sea in describing its plants, animals, etc. It is the one furthest from the shore, embracing all beyond one hundred fathoms deep. Hence, abyssal animals, plants, etc.
Ab`ys*sin"i*an (&?;), a. Of or pertaining to Abyssinia.
Abyssinian gold, an alloy of 90.74 parts of copper and 8.33 parts of zink. Ure.
Ab`ys*sin"i*an, n. 1. A native of Abyssinia.