Ace has 19 different meanings across 4 categories:
Noun · Verb · Adjective · Proper Noun
one of four playing cards in a deck having a single pip on its face
"He slid his ace of spades across the table to signal that he had the winning hand."
proteolytic enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II
"The doctor explained that their body produces an ace, a special proteolytic enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I into angiotensin II."
a major strategic headquarters of NATO; safeguards an area extending from Norway to Turkey
"The alliance relies on ACE as its primary command center for coordinating military operations across the region stretching from Norway down to Turkey."
a serve that the receiver is unable to reach
"The crowd erupted when she hit an ace, sending the ball so sharply over the net that the returner couldn't even touch it."
A single point or spot on a playing card or die.
"The editor's name was listed as an ace in the credits, marking their membership in the American Cinema Editors guild."
A person who is asexual.
A member of American Cinema Editors
In plain English: An ace is someone who is extremely good at something or a perfect score on a test.
"The tennis player celebrated after winning with an ace to close out the match."
Usage: As a noun, ace most commonly refers to a person who is exceptionally skilled at a specific activity or an outstanding performer. While it can technically denote a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in film contexts, everyday usage almost exclusively applies to someone excelling in sports, work, or other fields.
succeed at easily
"She sailed through her exams"
"You will pass with flying colors"
"She nailed her astrophysics course"
play (a hole) in one stroke
"After years of practice, she finally managed to ace the par-three hole on her first attempt."
serve an ace against (someone)
"The tennis player jumped to his right and served an ace against the struggling opponent, winning the point instantly."
To pass (a test, interviews etc.) perfectly.
"She managed to ace her driving test on the very first attempt."
In plain English: To ace something means to do it perfectly and get the highest possible score.
"He managed to ace his driving test on the first try."
Usage: Use "ace" as a verb when you want to say you achieved perfect or near-perfect scores on an exam, interview, or performance. It implies not just passing, but doing so with exceptional skill and ease.
Excellent.
"After years of questioning his identity, Mark finally came out as an ace and found a community that fully accepted him without any pressure regarding romantic relationships."
Asexual. (not experiencing sexual attraction)
In plain English: When something is described as an ace, it means it is perfect or completely excellent.
"She is an ace pilot who can land her plane in any storm."
Usage: Do not confuse the adjective "ace," which means asexual and describes someone who does not experience sexual attraction, with the verb form meaning to succeed or excel at something. Use it only when referring to a person's orientation in informal contexts, never as a synonym for being excellent.
A male given name.
"The accreditation status listed as ACE confirms that the school is recognized by the initialism for the American Council on Education."
Initialism of American Council on Education.
The word ace comes from Latin as, meaning a copper coin, which entered English via Old French and Middle English. It likely originated from an Etruscan source and is related to ancient roots describing something singular or sharp.