abbreviation

Shortened form of a word or group of words, usually the initials (UN for United Nations, VIP for very important person). An abbreviation that is pronounced as a new word is an acronym (NATO for North Atlantic Treaty Organization, radar for radio detecting and ranging; an abbreviation that uses the first and last letter of a word is a contraction (Dr, St).

Ellipsis is used to abbreviate sentences and a mnemomic is a memory jogging device.

The use of full stops with abbreviations is largely optional. Full stops are most commonly used with lower-case abbreviations (a.m., etc.), though not with truncated words like ‘exam’ and ‘fridge’.

Use of the full spot can alter the sense, as in PA (public-address system) but p.a. (per annum). It is advisable to spell out all but the most familiar abbreviations (UK, USA, TV) on introducing them.

Abbreviations were employed to a great extent in ancient inscriptions and Greek and Roman manuscripts. They were also used in legal documents until the reign of George II, when they were discontinued.