Dictionary

DICTIONARY

A dictionary provides definition to words or corresponding meaning to them in other languages. It usually lists words in alphabetical order. In some cases, a dictionary may alter the arrangement according to certain phonetic characteristics. The pronunciation of each item is usually also provided in the dictionary. The earliest known dictionary was written in Latin under the reign of Emperor Augustus. The first English alphabetical dictionary was published in 1604, but this system only became widespread in the eighteenth century. A dictionary may have different forms. For instance the maximizing dictionary aims at covering as many terms of the given speech community as possible, while the minimizing dictionary contains a limited selection. A dictionary may be categorized by the languages it contains, linguistic, grammatical and factual matters. There are examples to a lingual, historical, biographical or geographical dictionary as well. A dictionary can provide some useful extra help for one and function as an irreplaceable tool for another, depending on one's character, orientation and personal needs. In a special professional field, the right dictionary might turn out to be the ultimate tool for negotiation or even for beating the competition. In another case the using of the right expression may bring a smile to a foreign friend we are trying to impress. A list of the major dictionary publications in the world includes English, Dutch, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, and Norwegian and so on. The variety is inexhaustible. Finding a suitable, all-purpose dictionary that combines several elements described above, might be a challenge.

MEDICAL DICTIONARY

A medical dictionary includes definitions for professional terminology, pharmaceutical drugs and equipment, health conditions and special abbreviations. A medical dictionary may also be specialized in translating professional terms, expressions and jargons from one language to another. A medical dictionary is intended for use by healthcare consumers, students and doctors. Yet, it may also be used by laymen interested in certain fields of medicine. A medical dictionary provides detailed and concise information about illnesses. Furthermore it explains test procedures and the use and effect of prescription medications. Of course, a medical dictionary should in no case replace a qualified doctor! No one should ever try to figure out the origin of certain symptoms with the use of a medical dictionary! Or, in the worst-case scenario, no one should try and find the cure to a certain disease with the help of a medical dictionary. These books only serve the purpose of helping and informing people. The explanations provided in a medical dictionary are easy to understand. The authors assumed a reader who might not be aware of certain Latin terms. Therefore, they are user-friendly, suitable for fulfilling different needs. The main source of medical dictionary is Stedman's medical dictionary, second edition. This particular medical dictionary provides reliable information on anatomical descriptions, noted personalities and so on. The average, all-purpose medical dictionary is available in most book stores while the quality ones may be purchased in field-related shops. When in dire need of a medical dictionary only on a temporary basis, then prestigious libraries should be able to provide them.

ELECTRONIC DICTIONARY

The age of the electronic dictionary has come! Forget about the good old paperback versions! You don't even need to know the alphabet anymore, in order to look up a word. The electronic dictionary is a relatively small, handheld computer. The main use of the electronic dictionary is translation and definition. Some new electronic dictionary models have chip-card slots to add more languages. A single electronic dictionary may contain pieces from various publishers. On most new electronic dictionary samples, there is a so-called "jump" function that allows the user to move back and forth between the different reference books. A suitable electronic dictionary should be of high-quality and pocket-size. The average electronic dictionary is the ideal supportive tool for writing school papers, preparing presentations, learning languages, translating documents and gaining information in the subject of desire. Several of the electronic dictionary products contain games, personal organizers and timetables among other things. A more advanced electronic dictionary is not limited to the translation of words. It may even convert a full sentence with all the necessary grammatical adjustments. Translators and interpreters beware! You have serious competition out there! There is one important factor the electronic dictionary does not possess: a sense of humor. It might be able to create the right order and combination of terms and that should be satisfying for a dry business report for example. Yet, when attention needs to be raised (either verbally or in a written form), there is nothing like a little play on words or a funny, catchy phrase. All and all the electronic dictionary is a versatile tool that can immensely speed up the flow of information, but it still has some flaws that fortunately make us humans irreplaceable.

FREE ONLINE DICTIONARY

In today's world there are expenses that can simply be avoided. Technology can be one's best friend if used wisely! There is no need to buy volumes of books in order to translate a text! Simply surf the net for a free online dictionary! The free online dictionary has a solution to every problem. With the free online dictionary there is no hassle, no wasted time, spending of cash or turning of pages! The free online dictionary provides information on every subject. From detailed translations, to free interpretations, from brief descriptions to chapter-length explanations, the free online dictionary awaits its visitors with a varied selection of materials. The free online dictionary simply has no limits, only you can be a barrier to acquiring the desired knowledge! The free online dictionary also has several attractive services, such as providing articles on different areas of interest and often supporting topics with pictures. A special new phenomenon of certain free online dictionary websites is that one can customize the written items and create his or her very own homepage. The individual may remove or add information, highlight sentences and even change the design and format of the text. This way, there is an interactive aspect of the free online dictionary sites that creates a comfortable, user-friendly atmosphere. The free online dictionary provides a true alternative to the traditional way of looking up words. In light of the above, what could possibly be the disadvantage of using the free online dictionary? Well, first of all, one obviously needs to have an internet connection. Second, the variety of free online dictionary pages may be so overwhelming that one may get lost in the details.

LAW DICTIONARY

Among the recommendations for a comprehensive law dictionary, I found Black's law dictionary the most appealing. It has been traditionally regarded as the ultimate law dictionary for terms covering the United States . This law dictionary was founded by Henry Campbell Black. Supreme Courts have referred to this law dictionary as the authority in several cases. The first edition of the law dictionary was published in 1891. The latest edition was published in two forms: the abridged law dictionary and the pocket version law dictionary. They are equally suitable for a layman, a student or even for experts. This law dictionary is often consulted for definitions in legal matters and court opinion cases. The law dictionary also includes a pronunciation guide, as many words have Latin roots. It can be purchased online and in certain specified legal book stores. When buying a law dictionary, it is tempting to buy a cheap publication. Yet, it often happens, that the lower-end law dictionary is less informative or even less exact when defining terms. Therefore, one should consider it as an investment and if possible purchase a good-quality law dictionary even if it’s a bit expensive. A law dictionary should be thoroughly researched, presented in a plain, clear language and it should also provide examples in order to clarify certain terms. A law dictionary specifically prepared for attorneys should be divided into sections elaborating on trials and codes, practice areas, jurisdiction and lawyers. That way it would not only function as a law dictionary but as a comprehensive professional guide as well.

KID DICTIONARY