acronyms

noun

(linguistics) An abbreviation formed by the initial letters of other words.

Generally such abbreviations, including those pronounced as individual letters (initialisms such as "TNT").

Exclusively such abbreviations when pronounced as a word (as "laser" or "NATO").

(linguistics) An abbreviation formed by the beginning letters or syllables of other words (as "Benelux").

verb

To form into an acronym.

Roots

akrosacro- · Greek · tip, height onoma-onym · Greek · name

Synonyms & related words for acronyms

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Words related to acronyms

Explore words related to acronyms — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include initialism, acronymous, acronymic, abbreviation, abbreviated, abbreviates, phraseogram, abbreviating. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Where does acronyms come from?

The word acronyms breaks down into 2 roots of Greek origin: acro-, from Greek akros (“tip, height”); and -onym, from Greek onoma (“name”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.