PRONUNCIATION:

(a-KRAW-stik, a-KRAWS-tik) 

MEANING:

noun: A composition in which the first letter of each line spells out a word or message.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin acrostichis, from Greek akrostikhis, from akron (head) + stikhos (line). Earliest documented use: 1585. A word with the same root is acrophobia.

NOTES:

When the spelled-out word is in the middle (instead of from the initial letters), it’s called a mesostic (example). Also see, a meta acrostic.

USAGE:

"In 2009, Schwarzenegger released a memorable message. He used a vulgar acrostic to reject a bill by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano.”
 Michael Mishak & Anthony York; Brown Sends a Message With His Pen; Los Angeles Times; Oct 8, 2011.