An acronym generally takes letters of words within a descriptive noun to form another which is more easily remembered.

For instance, RADAR is far more commonly used instead of: RAdio Detection And Ranging.

Another acronym is NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Many acronyms are used in the electronic Industry:

SOIC: Small Outline Integrated Circuit

TSSOP: Thin Shrink Small Outline Package

 

Acronyms should not be confused with Portmanteaux

A Portmanteau is a combination of 2 or more words.

For example, the device known as a Transistor is a Portmanteau of ‘TRANSfer’ and ‘resISTOR’.

Magnetron is a Portmanteau of MAGNEt elecTRON

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