alias

Definitions

Straight from Latin alias, 'otherwise, at another time' (from alius, 'other'). A name you go by 'otherwise' — your other name. As an adverb it links two names: 'Eric Blair, alias George Orwell.'

Why It Means This

Originally an adverb meaning 'otherwise (called),' which is why old court records read 'John Smith alias Jones.' English then turned it into a noun for the assumed name itself. In computing it widened again: an alias is an alternative name pointing to the same file, email, or command.

Common Collocations

• 1.use an alias使用化名
• 2.under an alias以化名
• 3.go by an alias化名为

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The spy traveled under several different aliases.

• 2.

  The writer Eric Blair is better known by his alias, George Orwell.

• 3.

  You can set up an email alias that forwards to your main inbox.