What does "doc" mean?

Level: Intermediate

There could be several different meanings for the letters "doc" depending on how they are used.

It might be the start of a word that has been shortened to just the first three letters. The Oxford Dictionary (one of the EPIC databases) can help you find a useful list of English words starting with "doc", including what they mean. Simply type "doc" in the search bar up the top of the screen

HOT TIP: To get to the EPIC databases you will need a password from your school librarian first. Or, you can log on to AnyQuestions.co.nz between 1 and 6pm Monday to Friday, and one of the librarians can help you online.

Groups of letters like this can also be used as what we call 'acronyms'. That is, a phrase is shortened by taking just the first letter of each word, like "Dive Onto Cottonwool" (that one is made up!). If you try searching Google using "doc nz" you will find some acronyms we use in New Zealand.

HOT TIP: Not sure what a word means? Try using Google as a dictionary. The trick is to type the word "define" in front of the word you want to define, then click Search. E.g. If you wanted to define the word "doc", your search would be define doc. This searches for all the meanings on the web that define your word.

HOT TIP: Reading a few different definitions will help your understanding of the topic. If you don’t understand, keep looking for one that uses language at your level.