abbreviation
UK: əˌbriːviˈeɪʃən | US: əˌbriːviˈeɪʃən
n. a shortened form of a word or phrase
n. the act or result of abbreviating
abbreviation = ab<away, from> + brevi<short> + ation<noun suffix>
- ab (Latin ab-): meaning "away, from"
- brevi (Latin brevis): meaning "short"
- ation (Latin -atio): noun-forming suffix indicating an action or result
Etymology Origin:
The word "abbreviation" traces back to Latin abbreviare ("to shorten"), combining ab- (indicating separation) and brevis ("short"). It entered Middle English via Old French abreviation, retaining its core meaning of shortening. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: "away from length" → "to shorten" → "the result of shortening."
"NASA" is an abbreviation for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The abbreviation "etc." stands for the Latin phrase "et cetera."
Avoid excessive use of abbreviations in formal writing.
The medical report contained many unfamiliar abbreviations.
She noted the abbreviation "e.g." to introduce an example.