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 American Reference Books Annual 2007, Volume 38, entry 831
This conveniently sized desk set has been designed for the elementary student
and includes a dictionary, thesaurus, vocabulary builder, pronunciation guide,
and English usage handbook. Targeted as the young student’s first proper
dictionary, the language used in the definitions is appropriate for the age
group. The preface gives an easily understood explanation of the conventions and
abbreviations typically used in dictionaries. It ends with lists of frequently
misused and misspelled words as well as general spelling rules. The thesaurus
defines each word and its synonyms so that the student can see the nuances of
each term’s meaning. Antonyms are also given. The vocabulary builder teaches
Greek and Latin word stems to give the student skills that can be used
throughout one’s academic career. The vocabulary is what can be expected to be
found on SAT’s and other standardized tests. This guide is not just a list of
words and their meanings. The derivation of each word root is given, followed by
four terms using that stem with full definitions and sentences using the new
vocabulary in context. Quizzes are peppered throughout the guide so that the
student can apply and assimilate the new words. This reinforces learning instead
of the rote memorization usually associated with vocabulary lessons. For
example, we learn orth/ortho is the Greek word for straight/right/true.
This root is illustrated with the words orthodox and orthodontics. The word stem
quis comes from the Latin verb quaerere, which means to seek or
obtain. We find this root in inquisition and acquisitive. There is also a guide
with punctuation, capitalization, italicization, abbreviation, quotation, and
source documentation conventions, as well as a usage guide describing common
problems in using English words, phrases, and grammatical principles. Webster’s French-English Dictionary American Reference Books Annual 2006, Volume 37, entry 967 This work enters the competitive market for small, concise bilingual dictionaries. It carries into this market several positive aspects. First, its size is slightly larger than most small pocket dictionaries making it easier to view and use, but still a convenient size for backpack, briefcase, or purse. Secondly, the dictionary covers Canadian terms and expressions, a useful inclusion for someone traveling or doing business in Canada. A final attribute is that this dictionary is produced under the Merriam-Webster banner, a known quantity for quality dictionaries of this type. The dictionary includes 40,000 entries and 50,000 translations both from English to French and French to English. It also includes the conjugation of French verbs, common French abbreviations, French numbers, and pronunciation symbols. This volume should find favor with students, teachers,
tourists, and business travelers because of the size, convenience of use, and
price. For libraries, multiple copies might be in order to fulfill the needs of
patrons. Library Journal, November 15, 2003
This pocket-sized atlas packs in much information at a bargain price. Created in
cooperation with the editors of Merriam-Webster, it covers almost 200 countries
and all 50 of the United States. Each entry is accompanied by a nicely designed
color map featuring a country’s or state’s populated areas: an insert map
situating the place on the globe; a fact box including the official name,
language, and principal exports: the country or state flag: its history and key
political events: and much more. The appendix lists the latitude and longitude
of selected cities, a chart indicates membership in international organizations,
and a somewhat dated table provides statistics on computers, mobile phones, etc.
The atlas is illustrated in full color throughout, featuring 240 maps in all.
Public or academic libraries may wish to purchase multiple copies of this
inexpensive but fine ready reference source. In addition, it will work in
circulating collections. Webster’s New Explorer College Dictionary How many of us
consult a dictionary when engaged in a game of Scrabble or completing a
crossword puzzle? And where do we find the right spelling and pronunciation for
all those words that have recently entered the language from science,
technology, and popular culture? This fully updated edition of Webster’s New
Explorer College Dictionary contains over 100,000 entries, including
thousands of new words. The work was created by the editors of Merriam-Webster,
noted for producing well-known and respected one-volume dictionaries. Along with
definitions, entries might include numerous features, such as notes, synonyms,
and brief etymologies; illustrations appear throughout. Examples are used in
phrases to demonstrate the proper use of each word. Of the new words,
identity theft is included, but Botox and grungy are not. The
Handbook of Style section gives students insight into proper use of colons,
quotation marks, and punctuation for term papers. BOTTOM LINE Although
less detailed than Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary and less
comprehensive then Webster’s Unabridged New International Dictionary,
this is a useful low-cost alternative. Students may use this accessible
dictionary to begin to build vocabulary. Recommended for middle and high school
libraries or small public libraries with limited budgets. Webster’s New Explorer Crossword Puzzle Dictionary American Reference Books Annual 2007, Volume 38, entry 833 This book provides crossword puzzle lovers with over 350,000 possible solutions to their most “puzzling” crossword needs. The work has been thoroughly updated since its 1st edition to reflect the changes in puzzles over the years and to include new words added to the English vocabulary. Some 75,000 new entries have been added since the publication of the 1st edition. New words include computer terms, contemporary slang, and new national currencies, as well as new individuals and institutions that now appear frequently in crossword puzzles (e.g., Kia, Annan, Swank). The book’s editors have made a point to include words that appear frequently in crossword puzzles, especially those that would have been omitted if frequency of use in everyday English had been the dictionary’s intent.
The work is arranged alphabetically by word clue. Most entries offer several
possible options as well as their letter count: for example, under approve
users will find 28 possible options, including okay, accept, support,
sanction, and compliment. With so many word options offered, users
will most likely have no problem finding a solution to their problem. While
suitable for public libraries, this work will be most welcome in the home
libraries of crossword puzzle enthusiasts. Webster’s New Explorer Desk Encyclopedia School Library Journal, April 01, 2004
Gr 9 Up-With more than 17,500 entries, this useful work provides very basic
information on a wide variety of topics, from geography and biography to
history, science, and literature. Additional features include photographs,
reproductions, diagrams, and maps, all in black and white. The alphabetical
arrangement precludes the need for an index, and makes this volume extremely
easy to use for quick facts and dates. Though coverage of each entry is
necessarily scant, this book is an ideal home reference for high school
students. Library Journal, October 15, 2003
Encyclopedias are generally defined as works that contain information on all
branches of knowledge-a fairly broad definition that the editors of this
one-volume bargain-priced desk reference have managed to meet. Since it is based
on the venerable Encyclopædia Britannica, it contains authoritative and
up-to-date information and compares favorably with what is perhaps its
best-known competitor, The New York Public Library Desk Reference, 4th ed.
Replete with detailed maps, illustrations, tables, and photographs, the work
provides an excellent introduction to a variety of topics in such fields as art,
business, politics, history, science, and many more. It contains 17,500
alphabetically arranged entries, which are clearly written and heavily
cross-referenced (there are 50,000 cross references throughout). The only minor
drawback is the lack of a listing of all the diagrams scattered throughout.
Although many are located next to relevant entries, a separate listing would
have been helpful. All in all, this encyclopedia will be immensely useful to
students as well as anyone looking for general information on almost anything.
And since the price is hard to beat, it's well worth the purchase. Highly
recommended for all libraries, especially those in a financial pinch. Webster’s New Explorer Dictionary and Thesaurus School Library Journal, June 01, 2006
Gr 9 Up -The "Dictionary and Thesaurus" is a valuable, easy-to-use update with
75,000 definitions, including 2000 new words such as -webcast - and -digital
camera. - The dictionary provides meaning, spelling, pronunciation, synonyms,
and etymology as well as temporal, regional, and stylistic usage. Words are
presented in two columns with spot black-and-white illustrations scattered
throughout. Entries indicate slang, dialect, and offensive or disparaging usage
and include cross-referencing. Definitions are clear and concise. The volume
also includes sections devoted to common foreign words and phrases, people, and
places. The biographical entries are generally one line and occasionally
sacrifice import to brevity. The geographical listings include latest population
figures. Segments on English grammar and word roots will be particularly helpful
to second-language learners and students preparing for the SAT, as will the
listings of confused and misused words. Finally, a 48-page full-color world
atlas divides the dictionary from the alphabetical thesaurus of 30,000 entries.
This section, which includes synonyms, related words, near antonyms, and
antonyms, should satisfy students and writers. The stand-alone "Dictionary" is
an identical work, minus the atlas and thesaurus. Some readers may prefer the
convenience of "The American Heritage Desk Dictionary and Thesaurus" (Houghton,
2005), which has a split-page format -the upper half a dictionary, the bottom, a
thesaurus. Still, with only 70,000 entries, it lacks many of the extras
contained in Webster -s update and has smaller print." Library Journal, October 15, 2004
This specialized biographical dictionary covers a wide range of literary
figures, from Abigail Adams (1744-1818) to John Grisham (b. 1955), and a variety
of genres: nonfiction, journalism, fiction, drama, and poetry. The
Merriam-Webster editors appear to have defined American authors broadly to
include those who have remained in America from birth to death or to the present
time, those born in America who later emigrated (e.g., Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot),
and those who immigrated to America and died here (e.g., Louis Adamic, Joseph
Brodsky). While most of the articles are brief synopses averaging one to two
paragraphs per entry, a few (e.g., Pound) take an entire page. The basic
biographical information includes birth/death dates; educational, personal, and
professional background; brief mention of major works; and an occasional
thumbnail photograph. Both cross references and names selected as main entries
are inconsistent; for example, Dr. Seuss is listed by his real name, Theodor
Seuss Geisel, but Samuel Langhorne Clemens appears under his more famous
pseudonym, Mark Twain. Bottom Line Despite its flaws, this source is useful as a
starting point for research when supplemented by such standard resources as
Salem's Masterplots and Masterplots II, Greenwood's Dictionary of Literary
Influences: The Twentieth Century, 1914-2000, and The Continuum Encyclopedia of
British Literature. For public and academic library ready reference. Webster’s New Explorer Encyclopedic Dictionary American Reference Books Annual 2007, Volume 38, entry 26 Published by Federal Street Press, a division of Merriam-Webster, whose mission is to provide “the highest quality reference books at attractive prices,” this one-volume work contains entries for 330,000 words. There are 1,300 entries in the “ New Words and Senses” section, an important section for a dictionary meant to reflect the English language as it is spoken today. Here one can find entries for new computer terms such as blog and google and the new sense of bookmark as well as new words from popular culture such as fashionista. There are also sections on ”Abbreviations and Symbols for Chemical Elements”; “Biographical, Biblical & Mythological Names”; “Geographical Names”; and a “Handbook of Style.” Over 1,000 black-and-white illustrations are included. Entries contain standard features of unabridged dictionaries:
syllabification, pronunciations, definition, parts of speech, verbal
illustrations, etymologies, and usage notes. Usage labels are provided since
nonstandard speech and archaic and obsolete terms and senses are covered. Very
helpful usage paragraphs are provided for words that “present problems of
confused or disputed usage.” These paragraphs are shaded to help them stand out,
but are unfortunately located at the end of the entries on the page, instead of
directly below the word in question. Paragraphs on synonyms and antonyms and
word history are similarly located. The word histories are well written and
informative. Although entries in many unabridged dictionaries are difficult to
read, with small print and abbreviations, this work features a clear,
easy-to-read layout and typeface.
School Library Journal, January 2007
Gr 9 Up–Containing 330,000 entries, 1300 of them new, this update of Webster’s
New Encyclopedic Dictionary (Federal Street, 2002) combines the easy use of a
dictionary with the scope of a basic encyclopedia. The font is easy to read, and
the placement of each numbered definition on a new line facilitates use. The
black-and-white illustrations scattered throughout the book offer important
visual information. Word history, synonym, and usage notes appear in call-out
boxes in cases when more information is needed. Appended sections include
abbreviations; biographical, biblical, mythical, and geographical names; and
information about writing style and documentation. New entries, found in the
“New Words and Senses” list in the beginning of the volume, include terms like “gaydar,”
“blog,” “lacto-vegetarian,” “meme,” and “pashmina.” Unfortunately, there is no
indication whether an entry is a new word or a new sense. Also, the placement of
these words in a separate section is cumbersome and might mean that some
students will not find them. An expansive resource, but one with some
organizational problems. CHOICE: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, December 2006
This dictionary is aptly titled. Updated for 2006, it includes concise
definitions of more than 330,000 words and over 1,000 black-and-white
illustrations. Short essays on synonyms, usage, and word history are scattered
judiciously throughout the work. Also included within are a style handbook, an
abbreviations section, and a section titled “New Words and Meanings.”
Biographical, biblical, mythological, and geographical names sections present
users with extensive up-to-date assistance with such material. Included too is a
guide to pronunciation. Although a seemingly endless supply of encyclopedic
dictionaries are available on a variety of topics, this title comprehensively
embraces the academic, business, scientific, and creative communities to reflect
current developments in science, technology, current events, and popular
culture. Since 2000, Webster has produced roughly three dozen New Explorer
titles; however, this title seems to encompass many of them within its covers.
Any library desiring to improve its general reference collection would be well
served by this valuable resource that, fortunately, is a value for the price.
Summing Up: Recommended. All levels Internet Bookwatch, August 2006 Compiled and organized by the editorial staff of Merriam-Webster, one of America's premier publishers of dictionaries and library reference works, Webster's New Explorer Encyclopedic Dictionary features a brand new edition updated for 2006, with 330,000 words and definitions, more than 1,300 new words, and over 1,000 illustrations, all in one omnibus hardcover volume of 2200+ pages. Occasional "word history" sidebars also appear, explaining the origins of such common terms as "cynic" (derived from the name of an ancient school of Greek philosophers). An introductory section of explanatory notes, and a supplementary summary of how to use English punctuation rounds out this "must-have" resource for writers, students, and libraries. Highly recommended as the definitive guide to words of the English language.
Webster’s New Explorer Guide to English Usage
& The Bookwatch, November 2004 Two wonderful new Webster’s dictionaries are recommended picks for both high-school and college-level collections as well as public library holdings. The quite accessible New Explorer Dictionary of Word Origins provides both students and browsers with an easily-used format where entries are arranged alphabetically for quick look-ups, but provide plenty of cross-referencing for complete word understanding. Plenty of background history helps students understand the evolution of and connections between English language oddities. Webster’s New Explorer Guide to English Usage answers usage questions through over a thousand articles addressing most common usage issues. From confused words to alternative spellings, this provides an alphabetical arrangement to make lookups easy, along with the verbal illustration to clarify usage. Both are excellent personal, school, and community English language reference works. Webster’s New Explorer Large Print Dictionary American Reference Books Annual 2007, Volume 38, entry 834 Nearly all of the major publishers of dictionaries now offer a large print dictionary. This latest volume from Federal Street Press offers an inexpensive alternative to other more costly versions, such as The Oxford American Large Print Dictionary (Oxford University Press, 2006) at $39.95. This edition has been developed in conjunction with the National Association for Visually Handicapped and will be a popular dictionary alternative for the visually impaired, aging populations, and those who simply prefer to read larger type. This dictionary provides entries for over 40,000 words and phrases. Each entry includes part of speech, pronunciation, and alternative spellings. The definitions are clearly written and, as expected, the typeface is large enough to be easily read. The downside to this dictionary is that, perhaps due to page number constraints, the definitions are extremely brief and may leave room for confusion for those unfamiliar with the English language or ESL students. All libraries should have at least one large print dictionary
on hand for their visually impaired readers. This work will be a good
alternative for small and medium-sized libraries with limited budgets.
California Bookwatch, September 2006 Webster’s New Explorer Large Print Dictionary represents a bargain for any who require or prefer larger print: it’s developed with the National Association for Visually Handicapped, the agency which sets the standard for large print publications, and packs in over 40,000 easily-read words and large type entries with clear definitions. An invaluable reference. Webster’s New Explorer Medical Dictionary American Reference Books Annual 2007, Volume 38, entry 1252 Medical terminology can be confusing for those who are not familiar with it. The new edition of Webster’s New Explorer Medical Dictionary provides users with brief explanations of common medical terms. The dictionary has 37,000 entries, including 2,000 new terms. Among these are bird flu, SARS, and LASIK. They include generic and brand names of drugs and some slang terms. The arrangement is alphabetical, letter-by-letter. Entries include syllabication and pronunciation, but etymology is only provided if a term is from another language. A new feature in this edition is the identification of viruses by family, genus, and species according to the reports of the International Committee on Taxonomy of viruses issued in 2000 and 2005. The slang word gomer receives the definition” a chronic problem patient who does not respond to treatment” without an explanation of the acronym, which stands for ”get out of my emergency room.” Anatomical parts, diseases, and techniques named for people such as Henle’s loop and Gram’s stain include the full name of the discoverer with birth and death dates. The dictionary has no illustrations, but it does have a small appendix with brief lists of signs and symbols. Webster’s New Explorer Medical Dictionary lacks the
breadth and depth of the 30th edition of Dorland’s Illustrated Medical
Dictionary (Saunders, 2003), but it is adequate for circulating collections
and office use.
Library Journal, February 15, 2007
Added to this pronouncing dictionary for human and veterinary medicine are 2000
more entries than appeared in the 1999 edition, many of them covering diseases
(e.g., avian influenza, or bird flu) and new treatments (e.g., the corrective
eye surgery procedure known as LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis),
as well as updated information on virus classification. Drug names and generics
are also discussed. For example, the entry for Lasix (not to be confused with
LASIK) states that it is a brand name of the diuretic medication furosemide.
Definitions of body parts named after people include brief details about their
namesakes—e.g., the entry on the Müllerian duct gives Johannes Peter Müller’s
nationality (German), dates of birth and death (1801–58), and profession
(scientist specializing in comparative anatomy). Bottom Line This handy look-up
provides a much less costly alternative to Dorland’s Illustrated Medical
Dictionary (W.B. Saunders Co., 31st ed. due 5/07) and Steadman’s Medical
Dictionary (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005). It contains no illustrations,
and the paper quality is low, but the print is surprisingly readable, and there
are a number of See and See Also references. Public and academic libraries of
any size in need of a new, basic medical dictionary will do well with this, as
will libraries at which Internet access is problematic. Note: most of this
content is freely searchable via the Merriam-Webster medical dictionary at the
National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
mplusdictionary.html. Webster’s New Explorer Spanish-English Dictionary California Bookwatch, October 2006
It's amazing to note the new edition of Webster's Spanish-English dictionary
sells for only $8.98 - for a hardcover packing some 80,000 entries and 100,000
translations into over 700 pages. It's been revised and expanded for 2006 and
provides the latest coverage of current core American English and Latin-American
Spanish: whether you're an individual seeking a home desk reference or a library
seeking an affordable reference, it's a winner. Webster’s New Explorer Student Dictionary American Reference Books Annual 2007, Volume 38, entry 851 Webster’s New Explorer Student Dictionary is an excellent addition to any library, anywhere. Extremely user-friendly, as well as being more than just a dictionary, the New Explorer Student Dictionary is a versatile and easy-to-use resource. Handy features include a “Using Your Dictionary” section; abbreviation and pronunciation guides for the dictionary itself; a section on everyday abbreviations: signs and symbols; a “Basic English Grammar” section and a punctuation guide; a guide to biographical, biblical, and mythological names; presidents and vice presidents of the United States; place-names and capitals; an “Important Events in American History” section; tables of weights and measurements and the metric system; a section on the planets; and a “Math Refresher” section. The dictionary section itself is illustrated and easy to use.
Each alphabetic section is tabbed for convenience. The dictionary claims to be
“kid-friendly…for students ages 8 and up,” and it follows through on that claim.
The words included in the dictionary are appropriate for ages 8 and up; it does
not contain any unusual word or subject-specific jargon. The definitions are
adequate without being too lengthy and provide example phrases. Multi-purposed
and effortless to use, Webster’s New Explorer Student Dictionary is an
ideal resource for any library. It is recommended for public, school, and
academic libraries and is inexpensive enough to recommend for home use as well.
School Library Journal, June 01, 2006
Gr 3-8 -This serviceable dictionary contains more than 32,000 words and phrases.
It is surprisingly lightweight, and the large print, concise definitions, and
pronunciation key in the right-hand corner of each spread make it easy to use.
While the scattered illustrations are in black and white, the initial letters,
guide words, and captions, as well as the occasional highlighted anecdotal word
histories and synonyms, appear in purple, brightening the pages. Multiple
definitions of a word are presented in historical order. Thus, the first meaning
listed reflects earlier, possibly out-of-date usage. For example, the first
definition for the word -nice - is -very fussy, - followed by -able to recognize
small differences between things. - Children will have to read the third and
fourth meanings to find the more commonly intended -pleasing - or -well-behaved.
- A list of common abbreviations including states, months, days of the week, and
words follows the word entries. The signs and symbols section includes many
mathematical representations. Next is a grammar and punctuation guide; a
biographical section listing years of birth and death and a succinct summary
including nationality and profession; a list of U.S. presidents and vice
presidents with life dates, birthplaces, and term dates; place names and
capitals; important events in U.S. history from first settlement in 1565 to the
"Columbia" disaster in 2003; a table of weights and measures; planet
information; and a math refresher, which includes fractions, decimals,
percentiles, area formulas, and examples." |
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