View source for ABC

{{also/abc}}
==Translingual==

===Symbol===
{{mul-symbol}}

# {{IATA|Albacete Airport||Albacete||Castilla–La Mancha||Spain}}

==English==

===Etymology 1===
From {{inh|en|enm|abece}}, {{m|enm|ABC}}, from the first three letters of the Latin alphabet, standing for the whole alphabet.

====Alternative forms====
* {{sense|noun}} {{l|en|absey}} {{qual|in certain senses only}}

====Pronunciation====
* {{IPA letters|en|A|B|'C}}
* {{audio|en|en-us-ABC.ogg|a=California}}

====Noun====
{{en-noun|~|s|ABC's}}

# {{lb|en|uncountable|countable|usually plural in|_|North America}} The English [[alphabet]]. {{defdate|First attested from around (1150 to 1350).}}<ref name=SOED>{{R:SOED5|page=3}}</ref>
#: ''Do you know your '''ABC'''?'' (US: ''Do you know your '''ABC'''s?'')
#: {{syn|en|absey|q1=obsolete|alphabet}}
# {{lb|en|obsolete|poetry}} A type of [[poem]] in which the [[line]]s start with the letters of the alphabet in order. {{defdate|Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the mid-17th century.}}<ref name=SOED/>
# {{lb|en|obsolete}} A [[primer]] for teaching the [[Latin alphabet]] and first elements of reading. {{defdate|Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the mid-17th century.}}<ref name=SOED/>
# The [[fundamental]]s of any subject. {{defdate|First attested in the mid-16th century.}}<ref name=SOED/>
#: ''the '''ABC''' of finance''
#: {{syn|en|basics|fundamentals}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=1866|author=D. P. Conyngham|title=The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns: With Some Account of the Corcoran Legion, and Sketches of the Principal Officers|location=Glasgow|publisher=Cameron & Ferguson|page={{gbooks|Iag6AAAAcAAJ|28|its|A|B|C}}|passage=This was the ''Alma Mater'' of the Brigade, where it learned its '''A B C''' of military tactics.}}
#* {{quote-journal|en|date=2020-04-21|author=Marina Harss|title=Twist, Bend, Reach, Step: A Merce Cunningham Solo Anyone Can Try|journal=w:The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/21/arts/dance/DIY-merce-cunningham.html|passage=With her expert guidance, even a novice like me can have a taste of the focused, structured world of a Cunningham dance. The solo is possibly his plainest, almost an '''ABC''' of his meticulous approach to subdividing the body in motion — twist, bend, reach, step.}}
# {{lb|en|poker}} A [[straightforward]], [[uniform]] playing [[style]], often focusing on betting for [[value]], [[fold]]ing weak hands, and avoiding [[bluffing]].
# {{lb|en|UK|rail transport}} A British [[alphabetize]]d [[guidebook]] listing [[train]]s and their [[station]]s.
#* {{quote-book|en|year=1934|title=w:A Handful of Dust|author=w:Evelyn Waugh|publisher=Chapman & Hall|passage=For this reason his heart sank when, emerging from his study into the great hall at quarter to eleven, he met Beaver already dressed and prepared to be entertained; it was only a momentary vexation, however, for while he wished him good morning he noticed that his guest had an '''A.B.C.''' in his hands and was clearly looking out a train.}}

=====Derived terms=====
* {{l|en|ABC book}}<!-- a primer. Shakespeare, ''King John, I-i'', as an "absey" book-->
* {{l|en|ABC guide}}
* {{l|en|easy as ABC}}

=====Translations=====
{{trans-see|alphabet}}

{{trans-top|primer for learning the alphabet}}
* Albanian: {{t+|sq|abetare}}
* Finnish: {{t+|fi|aapinen}}
* German: {{t+|de|Abc-Buch|n}}, {{t+|de|ABC-Buch|n}}, {{t+|de|Abecebuch|n}}, {{t+|de|Abecedarium|n}}, {{t+|de|Abcdarium|n}}, {{t|de|Buchstabierbuch|n}}, {{t|de|Lese-Lern-Buch|n}}, {{t|de|Lern-Lese-Buch|n}}, {{t|de|ABC-Fibel|f}}, {{t+|de|Fibel|f}}
* Middle English: {{t|enm|abece}}
* Norwegian:
*: Bokmål: {{t|nb|ABC|m|f}}, {{t+|nb|abc|m|f}}, {{t+|nb|abc-bok|m|f}}, {{t|nb|stavebok|m|f}}
* Russian: {{t+|ru|а́збука|f}}, {{t+|ru|буква́рь|m}}
* Swedish: {{t+|sv|abc-bok|c}}
* Volapük: {{t+|vo|lafababuk}}
{{trans-bottom}}

{{trans-top|rudiments}}
* Dutch: {{t+|nl|ABC|n}}
* Finnish: {{t+|fi|aakkoset|p}}, {{t+|fi|alkeet|p}}
* French: {{t+|fr|b.a.-ba|m}} ''invariable''
* Hebrew: {{t+|he|אָלֶף בֵּית|m|tr=álef bet}}
* Irish: {{t+|ga|aibítir|f}}
* Japanese: {{t+|ja|いろは|tr=iroha}}
* Latin: {{t|la|abecedaria|f}}
* Middle English: {{t|enm|abece}}
* Norwegian:
*: Bokmål: {{t|nb|ABC|m|f}}, {{t+|nb|abc|m|f}}, {{t|nb|basics}}
* Polish: {{t+|pl|abecadło|n}}
* Portuguese: {{t|pt|abc|m}}, {{t+|pt|abecê|m}}, {{t+|pt|á-bê-cê|m}}
* Russian: {{t+|ru|а́збука|f}}, {{t+|ru|азы́|m-p}}
* Spanish: {{t|es|abc|m}}, {{t+|es|abecé}}
* Swedish: {{t+|sv|abc|n}}
{{trans-bottom}}

=====See also=====
Naming an alphabet after the initial letters is common; compare:
* {{l|en|alphabet}}
* {{l|en|bopomofo}}
* {{l|en|futhark}}
* {{l|en|futhorc}}

===Etymology 2===
Initialisms.

====Noun====
{{en-noun|~}}

# {{lb|en|mnemonic|emergency medicine}} {{initialism of|en|[[airway]], [[breathing]] and [[circulation]]|dot=:}} the essential steps in the immediate [[assessment]] and [[treatment]] of critically ill or injured [[patient]]s.
#: {{cot|en|ABCD|CAB}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2015|author=Marcia Wells|title=Eddie Red Undercover: Mystery in Mayan Mexico|publisher=w:Houghton Mifflin Harcourt|isbn=9780544302068|page={{gbooks|xo-dBAAAQBAJ|180|ABCs}}|passage=I run my hands over his chest, assessing his '''ABCs''': airway, breathing, circulation.}}
# {{lb|en|US}} {{initialism of|en|[[alcoholic]] [[beverage]] [[control]]}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2011|title=Privatize This? Assessing the Opportunities and Costs of Privatization|author=Richard A. McGowan|chapter=State-Controlled Liquor Stores I: Pennsylvania|location=Santa Barbara|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9780313375866|page={{gbooks|JoawVQHKQ34C|89|ABC}}|passage=Pennsylvania is one of 18 alcoholic beverage control states, commonly known as “'''ABC''' states.” In an '''ABC''' state, the state government controls the sale and distribution of various alcoholic beverages, depending on state law.}}
# {{senseid|en|American-born Chinese}}{{lb|en|dated|sometimes|derogatory}} {{initialism of|en|[[American]]-[[born]] [[Chinese]]}}
#: {{cot|en|CBC}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=1993|author=Susan Kulkin|title=Speaking Out: Teenagers Take on Race, Sex, and Identity|location=New York|publisher=G.P. Putnam's Sons|isbn=0399223436|page={{gbooks|CkNEoForQ70C|59|ABCs}}|passage=Everyone was Chinese. Some of the students were '''ABCs'''. That means "American-born Chinese." Others were FOBs. FOB means "fresh off the boat" and it is a bad insult. I didn't feel prejudiced about the FOBs because I was one of them.}}
# {{initialism of|en|[[Australian]]-[[born]] [[Chinese]]}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2004|title=Asian Diasporas: Cultures, Indentity, Representations|editors=Robbie B.H. Goh; Shawn Wong|chapter=Cultural Citizenship in Diaspora: A Study of Chinese Australia|author=Wenche Ommundsen|publisher=Hong Kong University Press|isbn=9622096727|page={{gbooks|FTa-AQAAQBAJ|79|ABC}}|passage=Many argue, with justice, that the differences between the various groups of Chinese-Australians are such that it is impossible to speak in terms of a "cultural identity" common to them all (Ang 2001). On the other hand, the mainstream culture is rarely capable of making such distinctions: in the eyes of most Australians, there is little difference between an '''ABC''' (Australian-born Chinese), an ethnic Chinese from Vietnam, or a mainlander.}}
# {{lb|en|business|_|management}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|activity-based costing}}}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2008|title=Managing Now|author=Gary Dessler; Jean Phillips|chapter=Planning and Controlling Now: Controlling|publisher=Houghton Mifflin Company|isbn=9780618833474|page={{gbooks|za4HAAAAQBAJ|222|ABC}}|passage=Activity-based costing is a powerful control tool. With '''ABC''', the manager can access all departments and monitor the costs associated with any activity he or she wants to control.}}
# {{lb|en|climbing}} {{initialism of|en|[[advance]] [[base]] [[camp]]}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=1999|title=Across Peaks & Passes in Kumaun Himalaya|author=Harish Kapadia|chapter=Accident and Rescue in the Nanda Devi Sanctuary|location=New Delhi|publisher=Indus Publishing Company|isbn=8173870969|page={{gbooks|nD95LUfpgzgC|69|ABC}}|passage=Boga and Subhash with Sherpa Nim Dorje and Kedar Singh left early to open a route to advance base camp. {{...}} They proceeded south along the left bank of the glacier. They could avoid the moraines by climbing the slopes near the bank. It was a long march and they established '''ABC''' at 4877 m on a small open rocky ground.}}
# {{lb|en|biochemistry}} {{initialism of|en|[[ATP]]-[[binding]] [[cassette]]}}
#: {{coi|en|'''ABC''' transporter}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2008|title=Encyclopedia of Molecular Pharmacology|editors=Stefan Offermanns; Walter Rosenthal|chapter=Sterol Transporters|author=Gerd Schmitz|edition=2nd|volume=1|publisher=Springer|isbn=9783540389163|page={{gbooks|iwwo5gx8aX8C|1157|ABC}}|passage='''ABC'''-transporters are multispan membrane proteins that mediate the active uptake or efflux of specific substrates across various biological membrane systems. A functional '''ABC'''-transporter protein usually consists of two transmembrane domains and two '''ABCs'''.}}
# {{lb|en|immunology|medicine}} {{initialism of|en|[[antigen]]-[[binding]] [[capacity]]}}
# {{lb|en|immunology}} {{initialism of|en|[[age]]-[[associated]] [[B cell]]}}
#* {{quote-journal|en|date=2011-08-04|author=Yi Hao; Patrick O'Neill; Martin S. Naradikian; Jean L. Scholz; Michael P. Cancro|title=A B-cell subset uniquely responsive to innate stimuli accumulates in aged mice|journal=w:[[Blood (journal)|Blood]]|doi=10.1182/blood-2011-01-330530|volume=118|issue=5|page=1296|passage=Together, these findings indicate that CD21/35<sup>−</sup>CD23<sup>−</sup> B cells do not correspond to any previously defined B-cell subset, but share some characteristics with exhausted B cells. Because they emerge and may eventually predominate with age, we have termed them age-associated B cells ('''ABCs''').}}
# {{lb|en|disease}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|aneurysmal bone cyst}}}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2013|title=Pearls and Pitfalls in Musculoskeletal Imaging: Variants and Other Difficult Diagnoses|editors=D. Lee Bennett; Georges Y. El-Khoury|chapter=Tumors/Miscellaneous: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC)|author=Georges Y. El-Khoury|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=9780521196321|page={{gbooks|9aupvNn-gzoC|219|ABC}}|passage=In the long bones, spine, and flat bones, the majority of aneurysmal bone cysts ('''ABCs''') are eccentrically located whereas in the short tubular bones they are usually central in location. {{...}} About 15% of all giant cell tumors have cystic areas that resemble '''ABC''', and in about one third of all '''ABCs''' a pre-existing lesion can be identified.}}
# {{lb|en|disease}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|adenoid basal cell carcinoma}}}}
# {{lb|en|pharmaceutical drug}} {{abbreviation of|en|abacavir}}
# {{lb|en|pharmacology}} {{initialism of|en|[[accelerated]] [[blood]] [[clearance]]}}
# {{lb|en|computing}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|Atanasoff-Berry computer}}}}
# {{lb|en|computing}} {{initialism of|en|artificial bee colony}}
# {{lb|en|law|finance}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|assignment for the benefit of creditors}}}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2010|title=Navigating Today's Environment: The Directors' and Officers' Guide to Restructuring|editor=John Wm. Butler, Jr|chapter=Alternatives to bankruptcy|author=Pepper Hamilton|publisher=Globe White Page Ltd|isbn=9781905773084|page={{gbooks|h4i95Pjy2LUC|205|ABC}}|passage=Like foreclosure, an assignment for the benefit of creditors ('''ABC''') is a creature of state law. '''ABCs''' have long been popular in a few states, most notably California and Illinois, but they are beginning to gain traction in other states as a less expensive alternative to bankruptcy.}}
# {{lb|en|electrical engineering}} {{initialism of|en|[[absorbing]] [[boundary condition]]}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2008|author=Nikolaos V. Kantartzis; Theodoros D. Tsiboukis|title=Modern EMC Analysis Techniques I: Time-Domain Computational Schemes|publisher=Morgan & Claypool|isbn=9781598293180|page={{gbooks|1nd4ouSykdoC|180|ABC}}|passage=As a matter of fact, when numerically handling a model originally established on an unbounded domain, it is compulsory to impose the pertinent '''ABC''' to terminate the endless mesh while retaining a well-posed and stable simulation.}}
# {{lb|en|OOP}} {{initialism of|en|[[abstract]] [[base class]]}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2010|author=James Coplien; Gertrud Bjørnvig|chapter=What the System ''Is'', Part 2: Coding It Up|title=Lean Architecture for Agile Software Development|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9780470684207|page={{gbooks|lpvY36MPMUwC|133|ABCs}}|passage=Abstract base classes ('''ABCs''') represent an interesting paradox. {{...}} It is instructive to think of '''ABCs''' as tools rather than as part of the product.}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2022|title=Fluent Python|edition=2nd|author=Luciano Ramalho|publisher=O'Reilly|isbn=978-1492056355|passage=Most '''ABCs''' in the <code>collections.abc</code> module exist to formalize interfaces that are implemented by built-in objects and are implicitly supported by the interpreter—both of which predate the '''ABCs''' themselves.}}
# {{lb|en|psychology}} {{initialism of|en|[[adventure]]-[[based]] [[counseling]]}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2012|author=Shannon Hodges|chapter=Emerging Fields and Profession in Counseling|title=101 Careers in Counseling|location=New York|publisher=Springer Publishing Company|isbn=9780826108586|page={{gbooks|b8Q-NKbrhEUC|229|ABC}}|passage=Creatively integrating counseling theory, research, and best practices has afforder me the opportunity to constructively engage clients in adventure-based counseling ('''ABC''') activities that foster social, mental, and emotional development. Utilizing '''ABC''' as an innovative counseling approach for individuals, families, and groups has increased my enthusiasm as a counselor.}}
# {{lb|en|psychology}} {{initialism of|en|[[affect]], [[behavior]]{{,}} and [[cognition]]}}
#: {{syn|en|CAB}}
# {{lb|en|cryptozoology}} {{initialism of|en|[[alien]] [[big cat]]}}
# {{lb|en|automotive}} {{initialism of|en|active body control}}
# {{lb|en|Christianity|informal}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|Archbishop of Canterbury}}}}

=====Derived terms=====
* {{sense|ATP-binding cassette}} {{l|en|ABC transporter}}, {{l|en|ABC exporter}}

====Proper noun====
{{en-proper noun}}

# {{lb|en|television}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|American Broadcasting Company}}|dot=:}} an American [[commercial]] broadcast [[television network]] founded in 1943.
# {{lb|en|radio|television}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}}} {{defdate|From 1983.}}
# {{lb|en|historical|radio}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|Australian Broadcasting Company}}}} {{defdate|Founded in 1924.}}
# {{lb|en|historical|radio|television}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|Australian Broadcasting Commission}}}} {{defdate|Founded in 1932.}}
# {{lb|en|radio|television}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|Asahi Broadcasting Corporation}}}}
# {{lb|en|finance}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|Agricultural Bank of China}}}}
# {{lb|en|publishing}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|Audit Bureau of Circulations}}}}
# {{lb|en|UK|historical}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|Aerated Bread Company}}}}
#: {{alti|en|A.B.C.}}
#* {{quote-text|en|year=1922|author=[[w:Agatha Christie|Agatha Christie]]|title=The Secret Adversary|chapter=[[s:The Secret Adversary/Chapter 17|Chapter 17]]|passage=First of all, he must have a square meal. He had eaten nothing since midday yesterday. He turned into an '''A.B.C.''' shop and ordered eggs and bacon and coffee.}}
# {{lb|en|aviation}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|Advance Booking Charter}}}}
# {{lb|en|historical|basketball}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|Asian Basketball Confederation}}}}
#* {{quote-journal|en|date=August 10, 2013 |work=Rappler |title=Looking back: When PH ruled Asian basketball |author=Gilas Pilipinas|volume=|number=|passage=The first was the Asian Games, held every 4 years, and the Asian Basketball Confederation ('''ABC'''), held every 2 years.}}
#* {{quote-journal|en|date=January 15, 2017|work=Business Mirror |title=Hero of '67 ABC  |author=Ray Roquero |volume=|number=|passage=The most memorable championship of his life, the 1967 '''ABC''' (now Fiba Asia), was also the most dramatic for the Philippines in the entire 1960s.}}
#* {{quote-journal|en|date=August 16, 2017|work=Asia Pacific Report |title=Australia, NZ slug it out for FIBA Asia Cup crown |author=|volume=|number=|passage=The now FIBA Asia Cup was previously called as the FIBA Asia Championships and the older Asian Basketball Confederation ('''ABC''') Championships. }}
#* {{quote-journal|en|date=April 5, 2018|work=Sports Interactive Network Philippines |title=  |author=Gerry Ramos |volume=|number=|passage=Former PBA players pay final respects to Danny Florencio in his final journey home But Florencio would cement his place in local basketball history as the hero in the Philippines’ dramatic 83-80 win over South Korea for the 1967 Asian Basketball Confederation ('''ABC''') Championship (now known as the FIBA-Asia). }}
# {{lb|en|historical|bowling}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|American Bowling Congress}}}}
# {{lb|en|often|attributively}} {{initialism of|en|[[Argentina]], [[Brazil]] and [[Chile]]|dot=:}} the three most [[powerful]] and [[wealthy|wealthiest]] [[country|countries]] in [[South America]].
#: {{co|en|'''ABC''' countries}}
# {{initialism of|en|[[Santo André]], [[São Bernardo do Campo]] and [[São Caetano do Sul]]|dot=:}} [[satellite city|satellite cities]] around the city of [[São Paulo]] that form the most important [[industrial]] area in [[Brazil]].
# {{lb|en|US|rail}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|Atlanta, Birmingham and Coast Railroad}}}}
# {{initialism of|en||American Book Center|dot=:}} an English-language bookstore in [[Amsterdam]] founded in 1972.
#* {{quote-journal|en|date=June 8 2009 |work=Irish Independent |title=10 best bookshops in the world |author=Derbhile Dromey|volume=|number=|passage=The American Book Center in Amsterdam is home to one of the largest collections of English literature in continental Europe. Its rickety shelves, spread over four floors, are crammed with American masterpieces from the likes of Hemmingway and Flannery O’Connor. If non-fiction is more your buzz, there are dozens of lavishly illustrated books on subjects such as art and design. '''ABC''' also runs The Treehouse, a series of events designed to nourish literary souls from the roots upwards. }}
#* {{quote-journal|en|date=March 7, 2011|work=Boston Globe |title=Marblehead storyteller Judith Black goes international |author=Caitlin Rung|volume=|number=|passage=In addition to sharing American-style storytelling with audiences throughout Finland and France, including a featured presentation at the ELSA conference in Paris this month, Marblehead storyteller Judith Black will be helping to organize and host a story slam at '''ABC''' Treehouse, an institution that promotes and supports intercultural exploration in Amsterdam. }}
#* {{quote-journal|en|date=January 26, 2014|work=Dutch News |title=From tea to e-readers: English bookshops in the Netherlands |author=Ana McGinley|volume=|number=|passage=The American Book Center – a part of Amsterdam's book scene for 41 years – has embraced the latest in book technology. Lynn Kaplanian Buller has been involved with the '''ABC''' almost since its launch in 1972, adding a second store in The Hague in 1976.}}
# {{lb|en|computer language}} An imperative general-purpose [[programming language]], intended for teaching or prototyping.
# {{lb|en|Christianity}} {{initialism of|en||[[Anglican]] [[book|Book]] [[centre|Centre]]|dot=:}} the [[publishing house]] and [[bookshop]] of the {{w|Anglican Church of Canada}} until 2013.

=====See also=====
* {{l|en|ABC Islands}}
* {{sense|American Broadcasting Company}} {{l|en|NBC}}, {{l|en|CBS}}, {{l|en|PBS}}, {{l|en|NPR}}
* {{sense|Audit Bureau of Circulations}} {{l|en|IFABC}}

====Adjective====
{{en-adj|-}}

# {{C|en|Nuclear warfare}}{{lb|en|weaponry}} {{initialism of|en|[[atomic]], [[biological]] and [[chemical]]|dot=:}} the three main categories of [[weapon of mass destruction]].
#: {{syn|en|NBC}}
# {{lb|en|slang|of a piece of [[chewing gum]]}} {{initialism of|en|[[already]] [[been]] [[chew]]ed}}
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2010|title=Pinnacle of Faith|author=Leverda Watkins|publisher=Xlibris|isbn=9781441539090|page={{gbooks|ObiMAAAAQBAJ|165|ABC}}|passage=She'd chew the gum until she was finished with it for the day and store it in a tiny box in the refrigerator until she wanted another chew. If I accidentally threw out her gum, she was able to find someone else's '''ABC''' gum (already been chewed).}}
# {{lb|en|medicine|of [[diffuse large B-cell lymphoma]]}} {{initialism of|en|[[activated]] [[B cell|B-cell]]-like}}

=====See also=====
* {{sense|atomic, biological and chemical}} {{l|en|CBRN}}
* {{sense|activated B-cell-like}} {{l|en|GCB}}

====Phrase====
{{head|en|phrase}}

# {{lb|en|wine}} {{initialism of|en|[[anything]] [[but]] [[Chardonnay]]|dot=:}} {{n-g|a backlash against Chardonnay wine, seen as [[ubiquitous]].}}
#* {{quote-journal|en|author=Ron Loutherback|title=Beyond the Label: The ABCs of white wine|journal={{w|Orange Coast (magazine)|Orange Coast}}|year=1997|month=March|volume=23|issue=3|page={{gbooks|Gf4DAAAAMBAJ|168|ABC}}|passage=He thought he was up-to-date on all the latest wine lingo until a longtime wine writer returned his sample request card with a bold, hand-written note on it that stated, “Send me all samples—'''ABC'''!” ¶ “'''ABC'''” threw my friend for a loop. When he called me, I translated the cryptic phrase—'''ABC''' is winespeak for “Anything But Chardonnay.”}}
# {{lb|en|medicine}} {{initialism of|en|{{w|abstinence, be faithful, use a condom}}|dot=:}} a [[sex education]] policy developed in response to the [[epidemic]] of [[HIV/AIDS]] in [[Africa]].
#* {{quote-book|en|year=2014|title=AIDS Doesn't Show Its Face: Inequality, Morality, and Social Change in Nigeria|author=Daniel Jordan Smith|chapter=Introduction|location=Chicago and London|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=9780226108667|page={{gbooks|R1vmAgAAQBAJ|15|ABC}}|passage=A final example of the iatrogenic effects of international public interventions is the impact on condom use that resulted from the “'''ABC'''” (Abstinence, Be Faithful, Use Condoms) approach to AIDS prevention, which has dominated programmatic efforts in Nigeria since about 2000. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), created under US President George W. Bush's administration, promoted a conservative approach to AIDS prevention through its '''ABC''' messages, which were (1) abstinence is the only true prevention; (2) if one is in a sexual relationship, stay faithful to one partner; and (3) if one can't do either, use condoms.}}
# {{lb|en|electronics|electric vehicles|automotive}} {{initialism of|en|[[always]] [[be]] [[charging]]|dot=;}} {{ng|a recommendation to remember to charge or be left without use by a low battery at an inopportune time.}}
# {{lb|en|Canadian politics}} {{initialism of|en|[[anything]] [[but]] [[Conservative]]}}

===Etymology 3===
[[File:NIND parking-keyboard ISO200.jpg|right|thumb|ABC keyboard on a [[w:parking ticket|parking ticket]] dispenser.]]
Like [[QWERTY]], the name is based on the first letter keys.<ref>Technically the name also originates from question phrases like "Why do we use QWERTY instead of ABC?"</ref>

====Alternative forms====
* {{alter|en|ABCD|ABCDE}}

====Noun====
{{en-noun|-}}

# {{lb|en|computing|typography}} A [[w:keyboard layout|keyboard layout]] in which all keys are arranged in alphabetical order in [[English]].

===Further reading===
{{wikipedia|ABC keyboard}}

===References===
<references/>

===Anagrams===
* {{anagrams|en|a=abc|B. C. A.|B.C.A.|cab|Cab|bac|CBA|BAC|cba|-bac-|BCA|CAB}}

{{C|en|Anglicanism|Computer languages|Organizations}}

{{cln|en|three-letter abbreviations}}

==Catalan==

===Proper noun===
{{ca-proper noun|f}}

# [[w:ca:Associació Bíblica de Catalunya|Associació Bíblica de Catalunya]], a Catalonian bible club

==Danish==

===Alternative forms===
* {{alt|da|abc}}

===Pronunciation===
* {{IPA|da|/abeseː/|[æb̥eˈseːˀ]}}

===Noun===
{{da-noun|stem=ABC'|en|er}}

# {{l|en|ABC}} {{gloss|a primer for teaching the Latin alphabet and first elements of reading; the rudiments of any subject}}

====Inflection====
{{da-noun-infl|stem=ABC'|en|er|4=ABC's}}

====Further reading====
* {{pedia|lang=da}}
* {{pedia|ABC (bog)|lang=da}}

==German==

===Etymology===
From {{inh|de|gmh|[[a. b. c.]], [[abecē]]}}; equivalent to {{com|de|A|B|C}}, the first three letters of the Latin and German alphabet.

===Pronunciation===
* {{IPA|de|/ˌa(ː)beˈtseː/}}
* {{audio|de|De-ABC.ogg}}

===Noun===
{{de-noun|n,-:s.sg}}

# [[#English|ABC]], [[alphabet]]
#: {{syn|de|Alphabet}}
#* {{quote-text|de|year=1868|author=Friedrich Schmitt|title=Neues System zur Erlernung der deutschen Aussprache nebst neuer Eintheilung des ABC|location=München|section=book title
|passage=Neues System zur Erlernung der deutschen Aussprache nebst neuer Eintheilung des '''ABC'''}}

====Alternative forms====
* {{alter|de|Abc|Abece}}

====Derived terms====
* {{l|de|ABC-Krieg}}, {{l|de|[[slowenisch]]er [[ABC-Krieg]]}} {{q|in the 1830s}}
* {{l|de|ABC-Schütze}}

===Adjective===
{{rfv|de|section=KBC / ABC|Probably only used in terms like {{m|de|KBC-Waffen}} / {{m|de|ABC-Waffen}}, in which at best there is a pseudo-prefix {{m|de|KBC-}} / {{m|de|ABC-}}.}}
{{de-adj|indecl}}

# {{lb|de|weapons}} {{initialism of|de|{{l|de|atomar}}, {{l|de|biologisch}} und {{l|de|chemisch}}|nodot=1}}: [[NBC]]
#* {{quote-book|de|year=2009|author=Christian Bernhardt|chapter=Noch einmal ganz von vorne anfangen|editor=Leah Wizelman|title=Wenn der Krieg nicht endet. Schicksale von traumatisierten Soldaten und ihren Angehörigen|isbn=9783867397384|page=142|pageurl=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=QDUxEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT141|text=Es gab dann immer einen Sirenenalarm im Camp und wir mussten unter '''ABC'''-Vollschutz (ABC: atomar, biologisch, chemisch) versuchen, in irgendeinen Bunker zu laufen.|t=Then there was always a siren alarm in camp and we had to run into a bunker wearing '''NBC''' protection (''NBC'': nuclear, biological, chemical).}}
#* {{quote-book|de|year=2013|title=Grundlagen des ABC-Einsatzes|series=Fachwissen Feuerwehr|isbn=9783609687568|edition=3rd|page=11|pageurl=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=tRcrAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA11|text=In Abhängigkeit von der Art, den Eigenschaften und der Menge des freigewordenen '''ABC'''-Gefahrstoffes sind unterschiedliche taktische Einheiten zur Gefahrenabwehr erforderlich.|t=Various tactical units are required for security depending on the type, characteristics and quantity of the hazardous '''NBC''' substance that has been released.}}
#* {{quote-book|de|year=2022|author=Rainer Uhlmann|title=Ukraine-Krieg. Tagebuch eines Fragenden|isbn=9783756202133|page=203|pageurl=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=5kxtEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA203|text=Das kann bis zu einem '''ABC'''-Krieg reichen.|t=That can extend as far as an '''NBC''' war.}}

====Related terms====
* ABC-Krieg, ABC-Waffen

==Japanese==

===Etymology===
{{bor|ja|en|ABC|sort=ええびいしい}}

===Pronunciation===
{{ja-pron|acc=5|エービーシー}}

===Noun===
{{ja-noun|エービーシー}}

# {{l|en|ABC}}(s) {{gl|alphabet}}
# the ABCs {{gl|rudiments}}
#: {{ja-x|チェスの'''A%B%C'''|チェス の '''エー%ビー%シー'''|the '''ABCs''' of chess}}
#: {{ja-x|男%と女の'''A%B%C'''|おとこ% と おんな の '''エー%ビー%シー'''|the '''ABCs''' of men and women}}

{{top|ja|Alphabets|sort=ええびいしい}}

==Luxembourgish==

===Noun===
{{lb-noun|n|g2=m|ABCen}}

# [[#English|ABC]], [[alphabet]]

====Derived terms====
* {{l|lb|eppes gëtt net a mäin ABC}}
* {{l|lb|ABC-Klöppel}}

===Further reading===
{{R:lb:LOD}}

==Malay==

===Pronunciation===
* {{IPA|ms|[e.bi.si]}}
* {{rhymes|ms|si|i|s2=3}}
* {{hyph|ms|A|B|C}}

===Etymology 1===
From {{bor|ms|en|ABC}}, from {{der|ms|enm|abece}}, {{m|enm|ABC}}, from the first three letters of the Latin alphabet, standing for the whole alphabet.

====Noun====
{{head|ms|noun|Jawi spelling|اي بي سي}}

# The [[Latin alphabet]]; {{l|en|ABC}}.
#: {{ux|ms|Sudah tahukah kamu '''ABC'''?|Do you know your '''ABC''' yet?}}

===Etymology 2===
{{wp|air batu campur|lang=ms}}
{{initialism of|ms|air batu campur|t=mixed ice}}

====Noun====
{{head|ms|noun|Jawi spelling|اي بي سي}}

# A type of [[dessert]] that is made from a mixture [[shaved ice]] and various other things such as [[red bean]] as [[cendol]].
#: {{ux|ms|Minta '''ABC''', satu.|One '''ABC''', please.}}

===References===
* {{R:PRPM}}

==Middle English==

===Noun===
{{head|enm|noun}}

# {{alt form|enm|abece}}

==Norwegian Bokmål==
{{wp|lang=nb}}
[[Image:Title page of Abc Bok by Andreas Austlid.png|250px|thumb|Title page of "Abc Bok", the first alphabet book in Norwegian, by Andreas Austlid.]]

===Alternative forms===
* {{alt|nb|abc}}

===Etymology 1===
The first three letters of the Norwegian alphabet, {{l|nb|A}}, {{l|nb|B}} and {{l|nb|C}}.

====Pronunciation====
* {{IPA|nb|/ɑːbɛˈseː/}}
* {{audio|nb|NB - Pronunciation of Norwegian Bokmål «ABC».ogg}}
* {{rhymes|nb|eː}}
* {{hyph|nb|A|B|C}}
* {{homophones|nb|abc}}

====Noun====
{{nb-noun-c|ABC-}}

# an {{l|en|ABC}} {{q|a primer for teaching the Latin alphabet and first elements of reading and spelling}}
#* {{quote-book|nb|year=1909|author=w:Alexander L. Kielland|title=Breve til hans datter|page=144|passage=paa bogstavet E stod i gamle tyske ABC’er 2 dyr: Esel og Elephant|t=on the letter E stood in old German ABCs 2 animals: Donkey and Elephant}}
#* {{quote-book|nb|year=1989|author=w:Ebba Haslund|title=Med vingehest i manesjen|page=50|passage=Foreldreaksjonen mot samnorsk … oppfordret til retting av samnorskformene i skolebarnas ABC’er|t=The parental reaction against Samnorsk… called for the correction of Samnorsk forms in school children's ABCs}}
#* {{quote-book|nb|year=2004|author=w:Fredrik Skagen|title=En by som ingen ainnen|passage=jeg kunne [lese] før jeg begynte i første klasse, og det var kjedelig å høre på når andre elever stotret seg gjennom avsnitt i ABC-en|t=I could [read] before I started first grade, and it was boring to listen to other students stumble through sections of the ABC}}
#* {{quote-book|nb|year=2008|author=w:Karsten Alnæs|title=Bakenfor alle farger|passage=vi hadde lært bokstavene og tallene, lest vår ABC og fylt ut atskillige skrivebøker|t=we had learned the letters and numbers, read our ABCs and filled out several exercise books}}
#: {{syn|nb|ABC-bok|stavebok}}
# {{lb|nb|figuratively}} basic knowledge of a subject
#* {{quote-book|nb|year=1911|author={{w|Christian Sparre|Fredrik Viller}}|title=Gamle Friks diamant|page=66|passage=det hører jo til en politimands ABC, at han bør mistænke alle, saalænge den skyldige ikke er opdaget|t=it belongs to a policeman's ABC that he should suspect everyone, as long as the culprit is not discovered}}
#* {{quote-book|nb|year=2006|author=w:Kjell Ola Dahl|title=Lindeman & Sachs|page=465|passage=det er jo børsens ABC: Man selger i hausse og kjøper i baisse|t=it is the stock exchange's ABC: You sell hausse and buy in baisse}}
#* {{quote-web|nb|date=18.07.2008|work=askerfotball.no|text=«scoringen kom etter et angrep som var tatt rett ut av fotballens ABC» er en typisk setning i avisene|t="The score came after an attack that was taken straight out of football's ABC" is a typical phrase in the newspapers}}
#: ''vitenskapens og politikkens ABC''
#:: the ABC's of science and politics
#: {{ux|nb|kunne sin '''ABC'''|know your '''ABCs'''|inline=1}}
#: {{ux|nb|kunne mer enn sin '''ABC'''|know more than your '''ABCs''' (to understand many things)|inline=1}}
# a [[textbook]] that contains elementary knowledge within a topic or subject
#: {{ux|nb|'''ABC''' for førerprøven|'''ABC''' for the driving test|inline=1}}
#: {{ux|nb|'''ABC''' for matlaging|'''ABC''' for cooking|inline=1}}
#: {{syn|nb|grunnbok|lærebok}}
# {{lb|nb|rare}} [[alphabet]] {{q|the set of [[letter|letters]] used when writing in a [[language]]}}

=====Derived terms=====
{{col3|nb
|ABC-barn
|ABC-bok
|billed-ABC
}}

===Etymology 2===
The first letter of each term; {{m|nb|atom}}, {{m|nb|biologisk}} and {{m|nb|kjemisk}}, borrowed from {{bor|nb|en|atomic}}, {{m|en|biological}} and {{m|en|chemical}}.

====Adjective====
{{head|nb|adjective}}

# {{lb|nb|weaponry}} {{initialism of|nb|[[atom-]], [[biologisk]] and [[kjemisk]]|dot=:}} ("atomic, biological and chemical") the three main categories of [[weapon of mass destruction|weapons of mass destruction]].

=====Derived terms=====
{{col3|nb
|ABC-krig
|ABC-krigføring
|ABC-offiser
|ABC-område
|ABC-vern
|ABC-våpen
}}

===Etymology 3===
The first letter of each respective country; {{m|nb|Argentina||Argentina}}, {{m|nb|Brasil||Brazil}} and {{m|nb|Chile||Chile}}.

====Adjective====
{{head|nb|adjective}}

# {{lb|nb|geopolitics}} {{initialism of|nb|[[Argentina]], [[Brasil]] and [[Chile]]|dot=:}} the three richest countries in [[South America]]
#: {{syn|nb|ABC-statene}}

====See also====
* {{l|nb|ABC-øyene||ABC islands}}

===References===
* {{R:The Bokmål Dictionary}}
* {{R:NAOB|abc}}

{{C|nb|Books}}

==Norwegian Nynorsk==

===Alternative forms===
* {{alt|nn|abc}}

===Noun===
{{nn-noun-f1|ABC-}}

# ABC {{q|often in book form}}, [[alphabet]]

==Portuguese==

===Pronunciation===
{{pt-IPA|a-bê-cê}}

===Noun===
{{pt-noun|m|#s}}

# {{alternative form of|pt|á-bê-cê}}

==Scots==

===Noun===
{{head|sco|noun}} 

# {{alt form|sco|aw-bay-say}}

==Spanish==

===Noun===
{{es-noun|m}}

# {{alternative form of|es|abecé}}

===Further reading===
* {{R:es:DRAE|abc}}