An acronym is a type of abbreviation formed from the initial letters of a series of words. For example, the acronym NASA stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Acronyms are often used to simplify long names or phrases, making them easier to remember and communicate. Acronyms can be pronounced as words, like SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus), or as individual letters, such as FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation). They are commonly found in various fields, including government, technology, and medicine, helping to streamline communication in specialized areas.