Acronym
An abbreviation formed from initial letters of words and pronounced as a word (e.g., NASA, radar). Acronyms create new words from existing phrases.
Real World
NASA is so embedded in everyday language that most people never parse 'National Aeronautics and Space Administration' — the acronym has become a standalone word with its own identity.
Exam Focus
Distinguish acronyms (pronounced as words) from initialisms (spelled out) — confusing the two is a common mark-losing error.
How well did you know this?