The term “abut” is not defined in the Zoning Regulations.  However, 11 DCMR B-100.1(g) prescribes the meanings given in Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary for terms not defined in Section B-100.1.  Webster’s defines “abut” as: 

1.  :to touch along a border or with a projecting part 

2.  a  :to terminate at a point of contact  

     b  :to lean for support 

Therefore, based on the definition, there has to be some form of contact when something abuts. This meaning is further distinguished when contrasted with the definition of the word “adjacent” that Webster’s defines as: 

1.  a  :not distant: nearby 

     b  :having a common endpoint or border 

As defined, “adjacent” does not infer that two objects have to actually touch, just that they be close by, while “abut” denotes actual touching or intersection.