Word
ABC
Phoneticsabc
/ˈeɪˌbiˌsi/
Definitions
01the alphabet
Countable noun
n. the letters of a language, usually the English alphabet from A to Z.
n. the English alphabet in its entirety. Often used in the plural as 'ABCs' in informal contexts.
“The toddler is already starting to learn her ABCs by singing the song.”
“The toddler is already starting to learn her ABCs by singing the song.”
02the basics
Plural noun
n. the simplest and most important facts about a subject.
n. the fundamental principles or rudimentary elements of a particular subject or activity.
“You need to master the ABC of nutrition before you start a strict diet.”
“You need to master the ABC of nutrition before you start a strict diet.”
03broadcasting company
Countable noun Television
n. a major television or radio network, such as those in the US or Australia.
n. a proper noun referring to major national broadcasters, most notably the American Broadcasting Company or the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
“The news report was first aired on ABC during the evening slot.”
“The news report was first aired on ABC during the evening slot.”
04medical emergency steps
Plural noun Medicine
n. the first three things doctors check: airway, breathing, and circulation.
n. a mnemonic for airway, breathing, and circulation, representing the primary survey in emergency medicine.
“The paramedic followed the ABC protocol to ensure the patient was stable.”
“The paramedic followed the ABC protocol to ensure the patient was stable.”
05types of weapons
adj. related to atomic, biological, or chemical weapons.
adj. pertaining to atomic, biological, and chemical warfare or weaponry. Often used as an attributive modifier.
“The soldiers were trained to handle an ABC attack during their basic training.”
“The soldiers were trained to handle an ABC attack during their basic training.”
Etymology
From Middle English abece, ABC, from the first three letters of the Latin alphabet, standing for the whole alphabet.
Initialisms.
Like QWERTY, the name is based on the first letter keys.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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