| acronym |
a type of abbreviation used as a word and pronounced as a word. An acronym is formed by combining the initial letters (or initial parts) of a string of words. The pronunciation of an acronym is based on the typical rules of pronouncing words in a language and is not made up of the sounds of the names of individual letters. The abbreviations "AIDS," "FICA," and "PIN" are acronyms, but the abbreviations "FBI," ATM," and "DVD" are not. |
| alliteration |
repetition of the same consonant sound in the stressed or initial syllables of words in a phrase or sentence. |
| alpha |
any first or initial thing. (See alpha and omega.) [1/3 definitions] |
| aspirate |
in phonetics, a speech sound pronounced with an audible release or rush of air, such as the initial "h," "t," "p," or "k" sounds in English. [1/5 definitions] |
| beachhead |
the initial position or area that invading troops try to secure when landing on an enemy shore. [1/2 definitions] |
| boot |
in computing, to start up (a computer or a program) by loading the operating system or providing the initial instructions (often fol. by "up"). [2/10 definitions] |
| boot up |
in computing, to start up (a computer or a program) by loading the operating system or installing the initial instructions. |
| break the ice |
to take successful initial actions. [1/2 definitions] |
| capitalize |
to write or print (something) using capital letters or using a capital letter as the initial letter. [1/4 definitions] |
| draw poker |
a version of poker in which players may discard and draw replacements for a specified maximum number of cards in their original hands after initial bets are made. |
| early |
of the initial stage of a time period or series of occurrences. [1/10 definitions] |
| elastic |
capable of returning to its initial form after being stretched or deformed. [1/5 definitions] |
| fly1 |
to shoot through the air, propelled by an initial, forceful ejection. [1/12 definitions] |
| free-fall |
the initial stage of a parachute jump, prior to the opening of the parachute. [1/2 definitions] |
| get to first base |
(informal) to make initial progress or have some initial success. |
| honeymoon |
the initial harmonious period of any relationship. [1/4 definitions] |
| impression |
the initial effect that an experience or perception creates in the mind or emotions. [1/6 definitions] |
| inceptive |
incipient, beginning, or initial. [1/3 definitions] |
| initiative |
the initial or leading action in a process. [1/3 definitions] |
| initiatory |
serving to begin or introduce; initial; introductory. [1/2 definitions] |
| noninitial |
combined form of initial. |