First of all let us consider what the word ‘dharma’ means in Buddhism. It is derived from the verb dhri (to hold, or to bear), and its noun form, dharma, would mean ‘that which is held to,’ or ‘the ideal’ if we limit its meaning to mental affairs only. This ideal will be different in scope as conceived by different individuals. In the case of the Buddha it will be Perfect Enlightenment or Perfect Wisdom (Bodhi). Secondly, the ideal as expressed in words will be his Sermon, Dialogue, Teaching, Doctrine. Thirdly, the ideal as set forth for his pupils is the Rule, Discipline, Precept, Morality. Fourthly, the ideal to be realized will be the Principle, Theory, Truth, Reason, Nature, Law, Condition. Fifthly, the ideal as realized in a general sense will be Reality, Fact, Thing, Element (created and not created), Mind-and-Matter, Idea-and-Phenomenon. In the Realistic School of the Abhidharma teachers, the word dharma is mostly used in the fifth and last meaning.

Now we are in a position to understand what Abhidharma means. The prefix ‘Abhi-‘ gives the sense of either ‘further’ or ‘about.’ Therefore, Abhidharma would mean ‘The Higher or Special Dharma’ or ‘The Discourse of Dharma.’ Both will do for our purpose. While the Dharma is the general teaching of the Buddha, the Abhidharma is a special metaphysical discourse brought forward by certain elders.