Web Site of the Week: Merriam-Webster.com
Posted by: Christine Bulson
There are a number of free online dictionaries but my choice is Merriam-Webster Online. The publisher claims that it is the "direct lexicographical heir of Noah Webster." The online dictionary is based on the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary (11th ed., 2003, rev. 2008). A search box is prominently displayed with the resulting search providing a format that looks very much like a print definition. Interesting options on the home page are "Word of the Day," "Open Dictionary" and a "Top Ten." Today's word was twee which reminded me of tweets that provided only "chirping note" as a definition. However I was referred to Britannica.com for more information. That gave a history of Twitter and the origin of tweets. The "Open Dictionary" was also a help since it contains current words submitted by the public. Tweet was there plus definitions for tweeter and tweetox. There are a number of "Top Ten" which you can scroll through - Top Ten Words of Summer, Top Ten Words Born of Conflict, Top Ten Mashup Words, etc. M-W.com will lead you way beyond just a definition of a word.
