Which term refers to a word formed from the initial letter of each major part of the compound term, such as A.I.D.S.?

• A. Acronym
• B. Alliteration
• C. Agenda
• D. Allegory

Answer: (A)

An acronym is a form of abbreviation created from the initial letters of the major parts of a term and used as a single label. AIDS comes from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, and taking the first letters gives AIDS, which functions as a compact identifier for the longer phrase. In this context it’s treated as an acronym, even though some people pronounce it letter by letter rather than as a single word.

Alliteration is about repeating initial consonant sounds for effect, not about creating a label from initials. An agenda is simply a plan of items to be discussed or acted on, not a shortened term. Allegory is a narrative technique where characters and events symbolize deeper meanings, not an abbreviation.