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
b.
the word, proverb, etc, so formed
c.
(as modifier)
an acrostic sonnet
Derived forms
acrostically (aˈcrostically)
adverb
Word origin
C16: via French from Greek akrostikhis, from acro- + stikhos line of verse, stich
acrostic in American English
(əˈkrɔstɪk; əˈkrɑstɪk)
noun
1.
a verse or arrangement of words in which certain letters in each line, such as the first or last, when taken in order spell out a word, motto, etc.
adjective
2.
of or like an acrostic
: also aˈcrostical
Derived forms
acrostically (aˈcrostically)
adverb
Word origin
Gr akrostichos < akros (see acro-) + stichos, line of verse
Examples of 'acrostic' in a sentence
acrostic
Cassandra Gray nodded again, glanced at Miranda and returned to her acrostic.