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ace
noun
A playing card marked with a single pip, typically ranking highest or lowest in card games; a person who excels at a particular activity; something of the highest quality or first-rate performance.
Etymology
Origin: Latin
Root: as, assis (unity, copper coin) — "to, toward, near"
pass- (pace, step)ad-, a-, ac-, af-, ag-, al-, am-, an-, ap-, ar-, as-, at- (movement to or toward; in addition to)sta-, stat-, -sist- (stand, be in a place)vas- (vessel)blast- (germ, embryo, bud, cell with nucleus)a (on, in, at)gastr- (stomach)fasc- (bundle)vad-, vas- (to go, walk)suad-, suas- (urge)crass- (thick)e (out, away)co (with, together, joint)bas (bottom, base)un- (one)clast- (broken)asper- (rough)pati-, pass- (suffer, feel)STA/SIST (stand)cast- (pure, cut)cad-, -cid-, cas- (fall)nas- (nose)aster-, astr- (star, star shaped)asin- (ass)rad-, ras- (scrape, shave)quasi- (as if)basi-, bas- (at the bottom)
Example
"The poker player held an ace of spades, while the ace pilot shared stories of aerial combat. This new restaurant is ace!"
Usage Notes
Ace functions across multiple registers from casual to formal. In card games, it's neutral and technical. As slang meaning 'expert' or 'excellent,' it's informal and positive ('ace pilot,' 'ace student'). Common error: confusing the card game hierarchy where ace can be high or low depending on the game. The excellence meaning derives from WWI fighter pilot terminology.