Cabalistic word associated with the followers of Basilides the Gnostic, by 1680s, of uncertain origin and with many elaborate explanations. Also used in reference to a type of Gnostic amulet featuring a carved gem depicting a monstrous figure and obscure words or words connected to Hebrew or Egyptian religion (1725).

1680s, "the science of sound," from acoustic; also see -ics. The meaning "acoustic properties" of a building, etc., is attested from 1885.

1680s, "pricking with a needle" as a surgical operation to ease pain, from Latin acus "a needle" (from PIE root *ak- "be sharp, rise (out) to a point, pierce") + puncture. The verb is recorded by 1972.

1680s, "capable of being made to fit by alteration," from adapt + -able.

1680s, "collect or gather in a mass" (transitive), from Latin agglomeratus, past participle of agglomerare "to wind or add onto a ball," from ad "to" (see ad-) + glomerare "wind up in a ball," from glomus (genitive glomeris) "ball of yarn," which is of uncertain origin (see glebe). The intransitive sense of "grow into a mass" is from 1730. Related: Agglomerated; agglomerating.

"divination by means of a cock and grains of corn," 1680s, from -mancy "divination" + Latinized form of Greek alektryon "cock," literally "warder-off, fighter," related to alexein "to ward off, drive or keep off" (see Alexander, and compare Alekto, name of one of the three Furies). Perhaps originally a personal name, applied at first to the fighting cock, then to cocks generally. The earlier form of the word in English was alectoromancy (1650s). Letters of the alphabet were traced on the ground and a grain of corn was placed on each.

"that which reduces fever," 1680s, from anti- + Greek pyretos "fever, burning heat," related to pyr "fire" (from PIE root *paewr- "fire") + -ic. As an adjective, "reducing fever," 1837.

1680s, in reference to Roman emperors Antoninus Pius (ruled 138-161 C.E.) and Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (161-180). For the name, see Anthony. Earlier (1540s) of the followers of St. Anthony of Egypt; later Antonian (1904) was used in this sense.

"imitation, mimicry," 1680s, verbal noun from ape (v.). Apery in the same sense is attested from 1610s.

"commendation, sanction," 1680s, from approve + -al (2). According to OED, "Rare bef. 1800; now generally used instead of" approvance, which is attested by 1590s, from French aprovance.