comprehensionn.[L. comprehensio: cf. F. comprhension.]1. The act of comprehending, containing, or comprising; inclusion.()In the Old Testament there is a close comprehension of the New; in the New, an open discovery of the Old. (Hooker.)2. That which is comprehended or inclosed within narrow limits; a summary; an epitome.()Though not a catalogue of fundamentals, yet . . . a comprehension of them. (Chillingworth.)3. The capacity of the mind to perceive and understand; the power, act, or process of grasping with the intellect; perception; understanding; as, a comprehension of abstract principles.()4. (Logic) The complement of attributes which make up the notion signified by a general term.()5. (Rhet.) A figure by which the name of a whole is put for a part, or that of a part for a whole, or a definite number for an indefinite.()