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Aegilops, containing eight letters in alphabetical order seems to be the definitive answer when it comes to English words whose letters fall in alphabetical order.

Biopsy, almost, accent, chintz and effort are among the many words sharing the distinction of alphabetical uniqueness as do access, billow and abhors and forty. I spent some time looking through various and many websites and have come to the conclusion there are a lot of made up words floating around. Perhaps they are simply obscure or maybe even another language, but I thought it best to include only words I can see in black and white with English definitions.

Bear in mind I did in fact research the validity of each word; I did not study the etymology of each one but I familiarized myself with some new definitions and learned a couple of new words. So without further adieu, I give you my findings, they may not be the longest but they are certainly spelled out in alphabetical order.

Abbess, abdest, abhors, accloy, accompt, accost, achill, acknow, addeem, adders, adempt, adhort, adipsy, afflux, almost, aloquy, anopsy

Begilt, begins, begirt, beknow, bellow, bijoux, billot, biopsy, bloops, blotty

Chills, chilly, chimps, chinny, chintz, chippy, chirrs, chitty, chivvy, choosy, choppy, clotty

Deflow, deflux, dehort

Efflux, effort, elops

Floors, floppy, flossy

Ghosty, gillot, gloppy, glossy

I thought it fitting they be listed in alphabetical order considering the subject matter. There are many more I've yet to learn and perhaps I will revisit this fascinating side note of our ever curious and always evolving language again and see just how many more there may be, language always has something new to teach those who are willing to learn.

The eight letter word spoon-fed holds this prestigious place of honor as well; the letters are of course in reverse alphabetical order but in order nonetheless. Granted it could be argued it is in actuality two separate words, this does not change the order in which the letters are arranged however. Trollied, a real dictionary worthy and written word is another example with its vowels in order, reversed order that is. Sponged and wronged fit neatly into this backward alphabetical folly of fun as well.

Another interesting alphabetical novelty is the word understudy, RSTU appear in perfect order right there in the middle. Have you ever had the proverbial naked in front if an audience dream? If so you may be suffering for gymnophobia, notice the MNOP, maybe not the most fascinating fact to tuck away into your trivial knowledge vault, but you may end up on Jeopardy one day and you just never know. . .

Learn more about this author, Crystal Cook.
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