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Acronym Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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acronym

[หˆรฆkrษ™หŒnษชm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

abbreviation

A word formed from the initial letters of a multi-word name or phrase, usually using capital letters and pronounced as a single word. Acronyms are commonly used in various fields such as technology, business, and government.

Synonyms

abbreviation, initialism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acronym

An acronym is a word formed from the initial letters of a series of words, usually pronounced as a word itself.

  • NASA is an acronym for National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
  • Scuba is an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.
initialism

An initialism is a type of abbreviation where the initial letters of a series of words are used, but each letter is pronounced separately.

  • FBI is an initialism for Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  • ATM is an initialism for Automated Teller Machine.
abbreviation

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase, often used to save time and space.

  • Dr. is an abbreviation for Doctor.
  • St. is an abbreviation for Street.

Examples of usage

  • NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
  • FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
  • UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund)
Context #2 | Noun

linguistics

A word formed by combining parts of multiple words, where each part represents a letter or syllable, and the resulting word is pronounced as a new word. Acronyms are different from initialisms, as they are pronounced as full words.

Synonyms

blend, portmanteau.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acronym

Use 'acronym' when you talk about a word formed from the initial letters of a series of words.

  • NASA is an acronym for National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
  • The acronym WHO stands for World Health Organization.
blend

Use 'blend' when referring to a word formed by merging parts of two words together.

  • 'Brunch' is a blend of 'breakfast' and 'lunch'.
  • 'Smog' is a blend of 'smoke' and 'fog'.
portmanteau

This term is similar to 'blend' and refers to a word created by combining parts of two or more words. It often has a more formal or literary connotation.

  • 'Motel' is a portmanteau of 'motor' and 'hotel'.
  • 'Ginormous' is a portmanteau of 'gigantic' and 'enormous'.

Examples of usage

  • radar (radio detection and ranging)
  • scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus)
  • laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation)

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Some well-known acronyms from pop culture include 'V.I.P.' (Very Important Person) and 'LOL' (Laughing Out Loud).
  • The influence of technology has led to the creation of numerous acronyms, especially in texting and social media.
  • Animated shows often create unique acronyms, like 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' in Marvel comics, which stands for 'Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.'

Science

  • In science, acronyms help simplify complex terms; one example is 'DNA,' which stands for 'Deoxyribonucleic Acid.'
  • The medical field uses numerous acronyms for diseases and conditions, like 'HIV' for 'Human Immunodeficiency Virus.'
  • Many scientific names are abbreviated as acronyms, making them easier for researchers to communicate more effectively.

Education

  • Acronyms are often used in education to help students remember concepts, such as 'HOMES' for the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.
  • Teachers often create acronyms as memory aids, helping learners recall information more easily during tests.
  • In academic writing, acronyms are used to avoid repetition of long terms, streamlining communication.

Business

  • In the business world, acronyms like 'CEO' (Chief Executive Officer) and 'ROI' (Return on Investment) are commonly used.
  • Companies often use specific acronyms in marketing to create memorable brand names, like 'IBM' for International Business Machines.
  • Acronyms can also serve as classification tools, helping companies organize terms and jargon specific to their industry.

Origin of 'acronym'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'acronym' comes from the Greek words 'รกkron' (meaning 'tip' or 'edge') and 'onuma' (meaning 'name').
  • The word was first used in the early 20th century, but its use became popular during World War II with military terms.
  • Many acronyms have evolved and taken on additional meanings in everyday language, showcasing their flexibility.

The term 'acronym' originated in the mid-20th century, combining the Greek words 'akron' (end) and 'onuma' (name) to describe a word formed from the initial letters of a multi-word name or phrase. Acronyms have become prevalent in modern language due to their efficiency in communication and are widely used in various sectors worldwide.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,696, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.