I suggest you Cambride's dictionary; http://dictionary.cambridge.org It's my favourite online dicitonary. It has different options like Learner's dictionary which has easier definitions etc... You can listen the pronunciations. I also like this one; http://dictionary.reference.com/ This one is more complex. You can find word's origins, synonyms, antonyms, related words. In fact there is a quote for each word you look for. You can learn lots of things from this website. It's really good one. Abstinence; http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/abstinence?q=abstinence http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/abstinence I hope this helps. :)

"abstinence" is a noun and comes from the verb "abstain." "Abstinence" is the act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite or desire, especially for certain foods in different religions. It can also mean refraining from alcohol or sexual intercourse.

Abstinence: (n.) The act or practice of abstaining; voluntary forbearance of any action, especially the refraining from an indulgence of appetite, or from customary gratifications of animal or sensual propensities. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating beverages, -- called also total abstinence. (n.) The practice of self-denial by depriving one's self of certain kinds of food or drink, especially of meat.