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This online edition departs from the traditional dictionary-style design of previous editions. The tabular format facilitates searches and lays the foundation for possible new features in future editions.
Each entry in the table can consist of up to five separate elements as shown in the sample illustration and explained by the following keys.
Sample Glossary Entries
Term
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Acronym / Abbreviation
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Definition
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Cross-Reference
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Function
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AADC
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(1) A presort level in which all pieces in the bundle or container are addressed for delivery in the service area of the same automated area distribution center (AADC). (2) An abbreviation used on mail container labels that identifies the contents as automated area distribution center mail (i.e., the ZIP Codes on the mail are served by the AADC).
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(Compare with ADC.)
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PC
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abandoned mail
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(See unclaimed mail.)
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PC
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absentee balloting materials
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Postcard applications, ballots, voting instructions, and envelopes sent through the mail without postage prepayment. This public service enables U.S. expatriates, members of the Armed Forces in active service, and the U.S. Merchant Marine (and their spouses and dependents) to apply for registration and to vote when absent from the place of voting residence.
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PC
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Accelerated Career Entry Program
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A developmental curriculum for new employees to gain knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience in positions identified with mission critical skill sets.
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HR
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accelerated reply mail
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ARM
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Origin Caller Service provided for barcoded reply mail at a postal facility other than the one to which the caller’s mail is actually addressed. Reply mail from the caller’s customers is captured on processing equipment programmed to include the unique ZIP+4 barcode assigned to the caller as part of the scheme sort at selected processing and distribution centers. The captured mail is held out for either immediate pickup by the caller or reshipment by USPS via Priority Mail Express™ service to the facility to which the caller’s mail is addressed.
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(Compare with destination Caller Service.)
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SS
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Key to Column Headings
Term
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The headword to be defined. It appears in boldface type and, if trademarked or registered, shows the appropriate trademark (™) or registration mark (®) symbol. Every term entry includes a term.
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Acronym / Abbreviation
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An authorized acronym or abbreviation of the term (e.g., ADC for area distribution center). Some acronyms or abbreviations are trademarked or registered (e.g., EPM® for Electronic Postmark and ACS™ for Address Change Service) even when the term itself is not trademarked or registered. Not every term entry includes an authorized acronym or abbreviation.
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Definition
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A statement that presents the meaning of the term. Some definitions contain multiple parts or meanings. Some definitions include descriptors in parentheses before the statements (e.g., (informal), (obsolete). (philatelic)). Not every term has a definition if the term is an unofficial form with a cross-reference to the official form (e.g., (See postal money order.) for the entry money order).
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Cross-Reference
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A direction to go to the official presentation of the term (e.g., (See postal money order.) for the entry money order). A signal to see another related term (e.g., (See also saturation price.) for the term high density price). Also a signal to compare a related term (e.g., (Compare with area and district.) for the term Headquarters). Not every term entry includes a cross-reference.
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Function
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A two-letter code that indicates the principal area within the Postal Service that uses or originated the term. Every term entry includes a function.
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Function Codes
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