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Acronym
A word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).
noun💡
Imagine This
Imagine a committee naming a long project: they take the first letters of National Aeronautics and Space Administration and create NASA, a catchy, pronounceable name that people can say aloud instead of reciting the full title.
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Sounds Like
AK-ruh-nim
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Looks Like
Usually written in all caps (NASA, FBI) or as a pronounceable word (radar, laser).
📝
Remember This
Acronyms are often spoken as words (radar, laser, NASA). Some acronyms become common words, while others are still pronounced letter by letter (FBI, CIA).
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Other Forms
acronymicadjective
acronymizeverb
acronymizationnoun
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Connect With
initialism, abbreviation, short form, shorthand
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Note
Use 'an acronym' because the word begins with a vowel sound. Distinguish acronyms from initialisms: acronyms are pronounceable as words, while initialisms are pronounced letter by letter. Some terms start as acronyms and later become ordinary words.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- NASA is an acronym for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- Radar is an acronym standing for Radio Detection and Ranging.
Synonyms
initialismabbreviationshort form
Antonyms
long formspelled-out name
Etymology
From Greek akron 'top, tip' and onoma 'name'. The term was coined in the 20th century to describe a name formed from the initial letters of a phrase.
Mnemonic
ACRO-NYM = top-name. Remember that acro- means top or tip and -nym means name; an acronym is a top-name formed from the initials of several words.
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Ineffable
adjectiveToo great or extreme to be described in words; indescribable.
Recessive
adjectiveRelating to a gene or trait that is masked by a dominant allele and expressed only when two recessive alleles are present.
Terse
adjectiveBrief and to the point; using few words, often in a sharp or brusque manner.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
Adversary
nounAn opponent; a foe; an enemy.
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