Main Entry: ac·cred·it

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈkre-dət\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Latin accreditus, past participle of accredere to give credence to, from ad- + credere to believe — more at creed

Date: 1535

1 : to give official authorization to or approval of: a : to provide with credentials; especially : to send (an envoy) with letters of authorization b : to recognize or vouch for as conforming with a standard c : to recognize (an educational institution) as maintaining standards that qualify the graduates for admission to higher or more specialized institutions or for professional practice
2 : to consider or recognize as outstanding
3 : attribute, credit

synonyms see approve

— ac·cred·i·table \-də-tə-bəl\ adjective

— ac·cred·i·ta·tion \ə-ˌkre-də-ˈtā-shən, -ˈdā-\ noun