acrostic

acros·tic

noun \ə-ˈkrȯs-tik, -ˈkräs-\

Definition of ACROSTIC

1

: a composition usually in verse in which sets of letters (as the initial or final letters of the lines) taken in order form a word or phrase or a regular sequence of letters of the alphabet

2

: acronym

— acrostic also acros·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective

— acros·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin of ACROSTIC

Middle French & Greek; Middle French acrostiche, from Greek akrostichis, from akr- acr- + stichos line; akin to steichein to go — more at stair

First Known Use: 1530

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Rhymes with ACROSTIC

agnostic, prognostic

acrostic

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Originally, a short verse composition, constructed so that one or more sets of letters (such as the initial, middle, or final letters of the lines), taken consecutively, form words. An acrostic in which the initial letters form the alphabet is called an abecedarius. Ancient Greek and Latin writers, medieval monks, and Renaissance poets are among those who devised acrostics. Today the term is used for a type of word puzzle utilizing the acrostic principle. A popular form is double acrostics, puzzles constructed so that the middle or last, as well as initial, letters of lines may form words.