First Known Use: 1943
Dictionary
acronym
noun ac·ro·nym \ˈa-krə-ˌnim\
: a word formed from the first letters of each one of the words in a phrase
Full Definition of ACRONYM
: a word (as NATO, radar, or laser) formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term; also : an abbreviation (as FBI) formed from initial letters : initialism
— ac·ro·nym·ic \ˌa-krə-ˈni-mik\ adjective
— ac·ro·nym·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of ACRONYM
acr- + -onym
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
ACRONYMICALLY Defined for Kids
acronym
noun ac·ro·nym \ˈa-krə-ˌnim\
Definition of ACRONYM for Kids
: a word formed from the first letter or letters of the words of a compound term <The word “radar” is an acronym for “radio detecting and ranging.”>
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