initialism

An initialism is a type of abbreviation formed by taking the first letter of each word in a phrase and combining those letters. Unlike acronyms, which can be spoken as a word, initialisms are spoken letter by letter—like FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) or ATM (Automated Teller Machine). They help make complex or long names easier to remember and communicate. Initialisms are common in organizations, technology, and government, serving as quick references without losing the meaning of the original phrase. Understanding initialisms improves clarity, especially in professional and technical contexts.