acrostic

[ uh-kraw-stik, uh-kros-tik ]

noun

1. a series of lines or verses in which the first, last, or other particular letters when taken in order spell out a word, phrase, etc.

adjective

1. Also a·cros·ti·cal []. of, like, or forming an acrostic.

acrostic

/ əˈkrɒstɪk /

noun

1. 1. a number of lines of writing, such as a poem, certain letters of which form a word, proverb, etc. A single acrostic is formed by the initial letters of the lines, a double acrostic by the initial and final letters, and a triple acrostic by the initial, middle, and final letters
   2. the word, proverb, etc, so formed
   3. ( as modifier )

      an acrostic sonnet

Derived Forms

• aˈcrostically, adverb

Other Words From

• a·cros·ti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrostic¹

1580–90; < Greek akrostichís, equivalent to akro- acro- + stích ( os ) stich ¹ + -is noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrostic¹

C16: via French from Greek akrostikhis, from acro- + stikhos line of verse, stich

Example Sentences

It would seem to be impossible to doubt her identity after the acrostic of the Amorosa Visione.

From Project Gutenberg

Each column is an acrostic of the name Martinvs Luthervs, making 80 scurrilous epithets.

From Project Gutenberg

The Acrostic and the Chronogram are both ingeniously described in the mock epic of the Scribleriad.

From Project Gutenberg

Neither the acrostic nor the Alexandrine has the property assigned to it here.

From Project Gutenberg

A character is like an acrostic or Alexandrian stanza;—read it forward, backward, or across, it still spells the same thing.

From Project Gutenberg