Abbreviations with mutliple meanings

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The discussion centers around the complexity and confusion surrounding acronyms and abbreviations, particularly in scientific and medical contexts. Various examples illustrate how the same acronym can have multiple meanings across different fields, such as DFT representing discrete Fourier transform, density functional theory, and double field theory. Participants highlight the potential for misunderstanding due to overlapping definitions, emphasizing the importance of clarity in communication. The conversation also touches on humorous instances of redundancy in language, such as the phrase "PIN number," and the challenges of navigating a vast array of acronyms, suggesting that a more structured approach to abbreviation usage could be beneficial. The use of resources like acronym finders is recommended for clarity.
Demystifier
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DFT = discrete Fourier transform / density functional theory / double field theory

This example has 3 meanings, all of which are relevant for a single science (in this case, physics).

Can someone do better? (Artificial abbreviations which are not in actual use are not allowed.)
 
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SOB -- Medical term (shortness of breath) and the other more profane meaning...

ALOC -- Medical (altered level of consciousness) and Military (air line of communication)

ABC -- Medical (airway, breathing, cardiac) and Government Agency (Alcoholic Beverage Control)
 
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HVAC- i)Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
ii) High Voltage Alternating Current
I am not sure if the second one is that common..
 
berkeman said:
ABC -- Medical (airway, breathing, cardiac) and Government Agency (Alcoholic Beverage Control)
Also American Broadcasting Corporation and Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
 
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SAA: South African Airways
SAA: Society Against Abbreviations ( guess they never saw the irony)..

Puny ##27^3 =19683## abbreviations against a few billion people trying to shorten word combos; . Maybe we need to consider 4-letter abbreviations to take the total to 531441 options?

EDIT: It was actually SAUNA: http://www.acronymfinder.com/Society-Against-Unnecessary-Acronyms-(SAUNA).html
 
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430x550.png
 
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TLA
Texas Library Association
Tennessee Library Association
Theater of Living Arts
Total Learning Architecture
Teaching Learning & Assessment
Three Letter Acronym
 
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ADD:
  • Acceptable Daily Dose
  • Acute Diarrhoeal Disorder
  • Attention Deficit Disorder
and AD&D, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (or Attention Deficit & Dice).
 
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WWGD said:
I have the same beef with PIN:
:thumbup:... Examples .
 
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OCR said:
:thumbup:... Examples .
I almost asked a cashier out because she used the terms PIN and ATM, _without_ redundant redundance ;).
 
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  • #13
WWGD said:
I almost asked a cashier out because she used the terms PIN and ATM, _without_ redundant redundance ;).
Lol... RAP phrases .
 
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TANSTAAFL
 
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Noisy Rhysling said:
TANSTAAFL
Lol...
 
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WWGD said:
I almost asked a cashier out because she used the terms PIN and ATM, _without_ redundant redundance ;).
The Department of Redundancy Department is impressed.
 
  • #17
There's this Canadian utility company named H2O4U ...
 
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Whenever I see an acronym I don't know, I go to www.acronymfinder.com. Most of the time, there are lots of possibilities, for instance:
berkeman said:
ABC -- Medical (airway, breathing, cardiac) and Government Agency (Alcoholic Beverage Control)
jtbell said:
Also American Broadcasting Corporation and Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
are just a few of the 357 listed there :smile:
 
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