Word
NFC
Phoneticsnfc
/ˈɛˈnɛfˈsi/
Definitions
01wireless technology
n. Stands for Near Field Communication. This technology allows you to pay for things or share files by tapping your phone against a reader.
n. Abbreviation for Near Field Communication. A set of communication protocols for communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 cm or less.
“I used NFC on my phone to pay for the bus fare without taking out my wallet.”
“The integration of NFC technology into smartphones has revolutionised the retail sector by facilitating secure, instantaneous contactless transactions at the point of sale.”
Technical
Usage
Usually used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier before another noun like 'chip' or 'reader'.
Teaching tip
While it is a technical term, it is now common in everyday life due to mobile payments; students should associate it with 'tapping' a device.
Synonyms
02American football
n. Stands for National Football Conference. It is one of the two groups of teams in the NFL, the professional American football league.
n. Abbreviation for National Football Conference. One of the two conferences of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States.
“His favourite team plays in the NFC, so he watches their games every Sunday.”
“The winner of the NFC championship game earns the right to compete in the Super Bowl against the champion of the American Football Conference.”
American English
Usage
Always capitalized; typically used with the definite article 'the'.
Teaching tip
This sense is highly specific to North American culture and sports broadcasting.
Real-World Examples
“You can also use the phone app to set the machine to auto-lock when shut down with the NFC card.”