A
n acronym is a word formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts (or major
parts) of a compound term. The roots acr or acro mean beginning, thus, the adoption of the first let-
ters of each word in a term work together to make a single new word: an acronym.
In a way, understanding acronyms is like breaking a code. Each of the letters, or initials in the acronym, rep-
resent an entire other word. For example, the letters in scuba stand for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Appa-
ratus. And, it makes sense: That’s really what scuba diving is all about, right?
LESSON
Vocabulary
List 12:
Acronyms
CHAPTER SUMMARY
What is an acronym? While this term may in itself be a new vocabulary
word for you, you are probably familiar with more acronyms than you
think. Have you ever written RSVP at the bottom of an invitation? Have
you wondered about the amount of RAM on your latest computer?
15
185

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VOCABULARY LIST 12: ACRONYMS
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187
1
34
2
6
5
7
8
9

scuba
URL
yuppie
Across
2 a type of computer access
memory that can be accessed
randomly
3 the coding on many Web page
documents
6 local area network
8 a compact disc that contains
data a computer can read
9 self-contained underwater
breathing device
10 English as a second language
13 a company that provides
access to the Internet
14 a device that generates
electromagnetic radiation
16 as soon as possible
17 frequently asked questions
18 rapid eye movement
Down
1 the address of documents and
resources on the Web
4 a motor-powered bike that can
also be pedaled
5 a mix up
7 a device that converts signals
from digital to analog to

(noun)
double income couple, no kids
I confess, we are sometimes a bit envious of the
thirty-something next door, though
we would never trade in our children for their
wealth.
DOS (das)
(noun)
the Disk Operating
System used on personal
computers (PCs)
When you are having a technical problem with your
personal computer, it is often a good idea to
return to , the opening screen, to see
what may be wrong.
ESL (e¯ ·es·el)
(noun)
English as a Second Language
It is critical that we have programs in our
schools so that the immigrant youth
population may improve their English and not
be at a disadvantage in the classroom.
FAQ (ef·a¯ ·kyu)
(noun)
an abbreviation for Frequently Asked Questions
Before you raise your hand, please note that in the
back of the Driver’s Ed manual you will find
the section and perhaps your
question will be included there.
ISP (¯·es·pe¯)