# ETC

/ˌɛtˈsɛtɝə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/etc
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. and so on

adverb · CEFR B1

Stands for et cetera. You use this at the end of a list to show there are more items of the same kind.

For teachers: Abbreviation for et cetera. Used at the end of a list to indicate that further similar items are included but not explicitly named.

- The shop sells all kinds of stationery like pens, pencils, paper, etc.
- The contract covers all standard maintenance tasks, including cleaning, minor repairs, landscaping, etc., as detailed in the appendix.

### 2. finance

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Exchange-Traded Commodity. This is a type of investment that tracks the price of things like gold or oil.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Exchange-Traded Commodity. An investment vehicle that tracks the performance of an underlying commodity index or physical commodity.

- He decided to invest in a gold ETC to protect his savings.
- The portfolio manager increased the fund's exposure to energy through a diversified ETC, citing rising global demand for crude oil.

### 3. biology

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

Stands for electron transport chain. It is a process in cells that helps produce energy.

For teachers: Abbreviation for electron transport chain. A series of complexes that transfer electrons to create an electrochemical gradient for ATP synthesis.

- The ETC is a vital part of how our cells make energy from food.
- Inhibitors that disrupt the ETC can lead to a rapid decline in cellular respiration and metabolic failure.

### 4. road tolls

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

Stands for electronic toll collection. It is a system that lets cars pay for roads automatically without stopping.

For teachers: Abbreviation for electronic toll collection. A digital system designed to eliminate delays on toll roads by collecting fares wirelessly from moving vehicles.

- The new highway uses ETC to keep traffic moving quickly.
- The implementation of ETC lanes significantly reduced congestion at the bridge during peak commuting hours.

## Examples

- The store sells fruit, vegetables, bread, etc.
- The workshop covers basic financial skills like budgeting, saving, investing, etc.
- The portfolio includes various asset classes such as equities, fixed-income securities, commodities, etc., to ensure a balanced approach to risk management.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
