# SAC

/ˈsæk/ (US) · /sˈæk/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. biological pouch

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a small bag or pouch inside a plant or animal that usually holds liquid.

For teachers: a bag-like structure or pouch within an organism, typically containing fluid or air.

- The spider carries its eggs in a silk sac to keep them safe.
- The surgeon carefully removed the fluid-filled sac to prevent further inflammation in the surrounding tissue.

Usage: In biological contexts, it is a countable noun.

### 2. Strategic Air Command

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Technical

Stands for Strategic Air Command.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Strategic Air Command; the former US military command responsible for nuclear strike forces.

- During the Cold War, SAC was responsible for the nation's nuclear bombers.
- Historical analysis of SAC operations reveals the immense logistical complexity of maintaining a constant airborne alert during the 1960s.

### 3. Senior Aircraftman

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Technical

Stands for Senior Aircraftman.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Senior Aircraftman; a specific rank in the British Royal Air Force.

- He was promoted to SAC after three years of service in the air force.
- The duties of an SAC involve specialized technical support and the supervision of junior personnel within the squadron.

### 4. Sacramento

noun · CEFR B2 · American English · Informal

a short name for the city of Sacramento, California.

For teachers: An informal abbreviation for Sacramento, the capital city of California.

- We are driving up to Sac this weekend to visit some friends.
- Local residents often refer to the city as Sac in casual conversation, though the full name is preferred in all official correspondence.

### 5. to sacrifice

verb · CEFR C2 · Slang · Informal

to give something up, especially in a game or for a purpose.

For teachers: to sacrifice a piece or an advantage, particularly in gaming or sports contexts.

- I had to sac my queen to win the chess match.
- The player decided to sac his strongest unit in a desperate attempt to break the opponent's defensive line.

Usage: Usually transitive, taking the object being sacrificed.

## Examples

- The company had to sac several workers last month.
- After the merger was finalized, the new management decided to sac the entire marketing department to cut costs.
- While the CEO survived the scandal, the board chose to sac the chief financial officer to appease the angry shareholders.

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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.