【Abridgment】 , 【abstract】 , 【synopsis】 , 【conspectus】 and 【epitome】 all mean a condensed treatment.

【Abridgment】 implies reduction in compass with retention of relative completeness.

• I gave him an 【abridgment】 of this whole history, I gave him a picture of my conduct for fifty years in miniature.

【Abstract】 applies to a summary of points (as of a treatise, document, or proposed treatment). (see also: Detach vs Disengage vs 【Abstract】 and  【Abstract】 vs Ideal vs Transcendent vs Transcendental )

• There is a section at the end of the magazine that includes abstracts of recent articles/books.

【Synopsis】 implies a skeletal presentation of an article or narrative suitable for rapid examination.

• For each title there is a brief 【synopsis】 of the book.

【Conspectus】 suggests a quick overall view of a large detailed subject.

• New recordings containing five of his works give a rich 【conspectus】 of his art.

【Epitome】 suggests the briefest possible presentation of a complex whole as an ideal example.

• Even now in her sixties, she is the 【epitome】 of French elegance.