Words that start with A

An abacus was used for counting and adding up before calculators. It is made from beads on a frame that you slide backwards and forwards.

Abbreviate means to shorten a word or phrase. For example, the phrase et cetera is abbreviated to etc.

Something is abject if it is utterly hopeless and miserable, of the worst order. For example, abject poverty.

An abode is a place you live, such as a house.

Something is above something else if it is higher up.

In the picture, the dog is looking down from the balcony above.

Absent means something or someone is missing. If you don't go to school, you are absent from class.

To absorb means to take in or soak up.

Things like sponges are absorbent.

Art is abstract if it has been derived, or abstracted from something real but doesn't bear a close resemblance to what it is supposed to represent, like more traditional art does. Some parts of the art might be recognisable, some exaggerated, some downplayed. Abstract art can be so stylised you can't even recognise what it is, so sometimes when you look at an abstract picture or sculpture you can't tell what it is a picture or sculpture of.

The Abyssinian is an ancient breed of cat of uncertain origin, from either Egypt or Ethiopia. It is slim, lithe, and has a distinctive flecked (ticked) brown coat, large ears, and a long tail.
They are active, intelligent, curious cats. They make good pets, but need constant attention or they get bored and unhappy. They are excellent hunters, so this needs to be taken into consideration if you live near a wildlife reserve and want an Abyssinian as a pet.

Acanthus, or bear's breeches, is an attractive, hardy ornamental perennial plant that grows to around a metre high. It has big, glossy dark green leaves and a tall flower spike. It often dies down during the drier months. It is extremely hardy and will tolerate heavy frost and heavy drought. It has thick roots, and if you try and dig the plant up it will regrow from any broken roots that are left behind. This makes it very easy to grow new plants from root cuttings or by breaking up a clump.