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Dictionaries

 A-Prompt Version 1.0.6.0 checked. WAI level 'double A'D

Some dictionaries are on
Specialist Pages
e.g. Indigenous Australia, Other Languages.
These should also be checked.
Online Reference Dictionaries and Thesaurus
Online Reference
Dictionary, Encyclopedia & more
Word:
Look in: Dictionary & Thesaurus
Computing Dictionary
Medical Dictionary
Legal Dictionary
Financial Dictionary
Acronyms
Idioms
Wikipedia Encyclopedia
Columbia Encyclopedia
by:

A - F

  1. Art Dictionaries :
    • Art & Architecture Thesaurus® Online
      ‘Structured vocabularies that can be used to improve access to information about art, architecture, and material culture.’
    • ArtLex - Art Dictionary
      ‘You will find definitions for more than 3,200 terms used in visual culture, along with thousands of images, pronunciation notes, great quotations and cross-references. To the left, below the Index is a list of shortcuts to some of the longer articles … , names of artists and titles of works are noted only within articles about terms’.
    • Grove Art Online
      [For All Aspects of the Visual Arts World Online]
      ‘Explore over 21 000 biographies; discover world cultures; learn about styles, movements and techniques; search and browse in multiple ways.’ This is a Fee-based site, though costs are not huge.
    • Tate Glossary
      ‘It contains definitions, most with illustrations, of nearly 300 terms including artist groups and art movements, techniques, media and other art jargon. Terms are listed alphabetically - to browse the glossary choose a letter from A to Z.’
  2. Australian Dictionaries & Related Material :
  3. Benchmark Dictionaries
    Includes the highest quality and most commonly used, unless noted in another group e.g., Macquarie Dictionary :
  4. Biographical Dictionaries :
  5. Children’s Dictionaries
    These have been developed primarily for children.
  6. Computing and Related Studies :

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G - L

  1. General Dictionary Sites, Portals & Other Dictionaries :
    • 1 000 Dictionaries
      Links to dictionaries, glossaries and encyclopaedias. Probably a lot more than 1 000 now.
    • American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, The
      ‘Over 90 000 entries feature 10 000 new words and senses, 70 000 audio word pronunciations, 900 full-page color illustrations, language notes and word-root appendixes.’
    • Babylon
      [Translation @ a Click]
      ‘You may either simply type the term you are searching for in the search box above or browse Babylon’s rich database of Free online dictionaries and glossaries. Receive comprehensive definitions and translations from over 1 300 glossaries and dictionaries in more than 50 languages.’
      Exceptional !
    • Dictionaries
      This is a German compilation of links to dictionaries that cover just about everything even to things like the Devil’s Dictionary. Both up to date as well as general dictionaries.
    • Dictionaries on the Web
    • Dictionary.com
    • Dictionary Bank
      From the English Toolbox [English Library]. It lists both generic and specialist dictionaries in different sections.
    • Encyberpedia
      A considerable collection of links to dictionaries, thesauri, glossaries, encyclopaedias and languages. Covers a wide variety of topics.
    • English Dictionary for Word Games
      ‘Enter any word or letter jumble into the search box above to find the following : Dictionary definition, Scrabble score or Anagram solutions.’
    • English Pronouncing Dictionary
      ‘An English Pronouncing Dictionary with Instant Sound.’ When ‘it appears in pink, mouse over it to hear it spoken as often as you want. Each word is individually pre-recorded and no form of synthetic speech is used. Both American and British spellings are provided. Pronunciation is in Standard British English, with World English alternatives.’
    • Free Dictionary, The
      Use either an alphabetical check or use one of the subject headings to find words. There is also a spelling centre [beware of the American spellings].
    • Freethesaurus
      More than 30 000 words with over 2 500 000 synonyms can be searched. From the makers of Mobysaurus. There is also a plug-in for both Firefox and IE.
    • Index of Online Dictionaries
    • Information Please
      Stated to be the largest Free reference site on the web. In addition to a dictionary it has an almanac, encyclopaedia, atlas, news, horoscopes and much more.
    • LingoZ
      [Building the World’s Largest Dictionary]
      Presently almost 4.5 million entries. ‘LingoZ is an online community dedicated to the building of the world’s largest dictionary, and providing a community resource for language questions. We aim to prove that a user contributed dictionary which is subject to community moderation can be as accurate and of high quality as a “regular” dictionary, while evolving and being updated faster than any other source. LingoZ is a service by Babylon.com.’
      Worth visiting !
    • List of Dictionaries
      A range of links to translation dictionaries, thesauri, technical dictionaries and a variety of other resources.
    • OneLook® Dictionaries
      Don’t search through a range of dictionaries, use the search mechanism provided here to do the work as it searches through a large number of dictionaries and glossaries to find your answer.
    • Other Specific, Topic Dictionaries :
      • Bible Dictionary
        Find out about people, places and events.
      • Culinary Glossary, A
        Extensive culinary vocabulary listed alphabetically and with plain English definitions even for foreign terms.
      • Cultural Literacy, The New Dictionary of
        ‘6,900 entries in this major new reference work form the touchstone of what it means to be not only just a literate American but an active citizen in our multicultural democracy’ Another site from the Bartleby group.
      • Marketing Dictionary
        Not sure of what those financial and marketing terms really mean ? This is an ideal place to visit. Australian site.
      • Musical Terms, Dictionary of
        Click on ‘Musical Terms’ to get an alphabetical listing of a huge range of terms with cross linking to other information.
      • Urban Dictionary
        ‘Urban Dictionary is a slang dictionary with your definitions. Define your world.’
      • WhatIs
        A dictionary of technology terms. Care needs to be taken to ensure it is up to date.There are also links to Fast References, Word of the Day, Tech Video, Blogosphere, Quiz Questions and more.
    • Visual Dictionary Online
      ‘The Visual Dictionary is designed to help you find the right word at a glance. Filled with stunning illustrations labeled with accurate terminology in up to six languages, it is the ideal language-learning and vocabulary dictionary for use at school, at home or at work.’
    • Web of Online Dictionaries
      Try your hand with some of these.
    • Web of Online Dictionaries, A
      Another compilation of a variety of dictionaries and other word related books.
    • Wordsmyth
      An educational dictionary-thesaurus which allows you to look up definitions of given words and also to search using ‘broad’ or ‘spelled like’ methodology.
    • WordWeb
      ‘Includes a comprehensive English thesaurus and dictionary, and can be used to look up words from within most programs. Features include : Definitions and synonyms, Proper nouns, Related words, Pronunciations, 140 000 root words, 115 000 synonym sets.’
    • YourDictionary
      An English dictionary, Thesaurus Plus : foreign language dictionaries and a variety of specialist dictionaries for specific areas. Add to that, language tools, puzzles and activities and you have a brilliant site.
  2. Geographic Dictionaries :
  3. Glossaries
    The following are provided for your information. They are by no means all encompassing.
    • A Lexicon of Learning
      [What Educators Mean When They Say …]
    • Glossaries by Language
      A huge range of linked glossaries for languages from Afrikaans to Yiddish. Also other links to aspects of languages.
    • Glossarist
      ‘A searchable directory of glossaries and topical dictionaries’. A wide range of topics is listed for you to access.
    • GlossPost
      A ‘searchable database of Glossary URLs.’ There are 5 000+ glossaries listed covering everything you could think of, some in other languages, some in multiple languages. You can narrow the search using multiple fields, or just browse them all.
    • Medical, Statistical and Clinical Trials
      Terminology
  4. “Language” - Dictionaries about
    • Acronym Finder
      ‘Find out what those acronyms and abbreviations stand for. The web’s most comprehensive database of acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms covering 307 000+ definitions !’
    • All Words
      A well set up English dictionary that has a host of other features including a mass of links to other sites related to word knowledge and use. Also provides a multicultural link to word meanings.
    • Buzz Words and Catch Phrases
      ‘The glossary is organized by topics : terrorism, war, geopolitics, religion, homeland security, disaster recovery and miscellaneous. In some cases, the glossary notes alternative spellings of Arabic and other non-English words.’
    • Hutchinson’s Dictionary of Difficult Words
      ‘A-Z index of over 13 900 difficult words to increase your vocabulary or just find out what those words really mean !’.
    • Hypertext Webster Gateway
      Using the Webster dictionaries. This link allows you to find definitions as well as doing exact or ‘approximate’ searches for words. In addition, you can search by using a base word followed by * [e.g. trans* - transport, translate]. The site links to a number of other dictionary sites.
    • Lexical Freenet
      Described as a ‘connected thesaurus’. Find words that are similar in a variety of ways. A huge range of choices - options can be selected/deselected.
    • Online Etymology Dictionary
      ‘Etymologies are not definitions; they’re explanations of what our words meant and how they sounded 600 or 2 000 years ago.’
    • Rhyming Dictionaries :
      • new !Rhymesaurus
        ‘Rhymesaurus Free Edition is the easiest Free rhyming dictionary software for windows. Simply type in any word and press [Enter] to see a list of rhyming words, organized by syllable-count, as well as English idioms, phrases, and cliches that rhyme with your word.’
      • Rhyming Dictionary [1]
        Type in a word to find its rhymes, synonyms, definitions, and more. The site also has a range of links to other aspects such as Shakespeare, quizzes, famous documents, quotations and Mother Goose.
      • Rhyming Dictionary [2]
        A second rhyming dictionary.
      • WriteExpress Online Rhyming Dictionary
        [For Poetry and Songwriting]
        Enter your word, then select from the options in the second section.
    • The English-to-American Dictionary
      [A Guide To British Slang]
      ‘A guide to British slang, and a part of the forthcoming book, The Septic’s Companion.’
    • Wordnet
      This is a Princeton site. Enter a word and find a range of other words that make antonyms, homonyms, synonyms, etc..
  5. Legal Dictionaries :
    • Law.com Dictionary
      Not sure of the meaning of a legal term or concept, use this site to check.
    • Legal Dictionaries
      ‘There are a number of legal dictionaries available on the net. They are not as comprehensive as dictionaries such as Butterworths Australian Legal Dictionary; but they can be useful to quickly check a definition. Whilst some of the dictionaries are old editions which are out of copyright; others are new dictionaries compiled for the net.’
    • Legal Glossary - Nolo
      ‘Welcome to Nolo’s Legal Glossary, your life-raft in the sea of legal jargon. Need to know the meaning of … some puzzling legal term ? Our dictionary contains plain-English definitions for over a thousand legal terms, from the common to the bizarre.’
    • Legal Information for the World
      A legal dictionary that is considered by some to be the easiest and most user-friendly to use.
  6. Literature Dictionaries :

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M - R

  1. Mathematical Dictionaries :
    • A Maths Dictionary for Kids
      ‘An animated, interactive dictionary for students which explains over 500 common mathematical terms in simple language. Requires Flash Player’.
    • Measurement Dictionaries :
      • How Many ?
        A dictionary covering the major forms of measurement presently in use. Provides good explanations.
      • Unit Dictionary
        Information on all major systems of measurement and units, how they came about and provides tools for converting from one to the other
      • Units of Measurement
        Very extensive information on the most common forms of measurement. Access either alphabetically or via nominated sections.
    • Xah Visual Dictionary of Famous Plane Curves
      Methods of generating new curves, special plane curves [definition, graphics, formulae, properties, web links], a curve family system and still to come is work on other curves and co-ordinate systems.
  2. Medical Dictionaries :
    • Diabetes Dictionary
      ‘This dictionary defines words that are often used when people talk or write about diabetes. It is designed for people who have diabetes and for their families and friends. Words are listed in alphabetical order.’
    • Medical Dictionary [1]
      The terms your doctor uses and you never really understood.
    • Medical Dictionary, Hospitals, …
      [Pharmaceutical Company and Medical Associations Searches]
      Pages from Medi Lexicon.
    • On-line Medical Dictionary
      Definitions for all medical terms by using alphabetical listing, other characters or by subject area.
  3. Nautical Language
    The following sites provide specific information and usage examples of nautical language.
  4. Non-Verbal Dictionaries
    Includes Sign Language, symbols, … .
    • ASL, A Basic Guide to
      ‘Here are a few American Sign Language terms to help those of you who are trying to communicate with a person who signs, but does not hear … This dictionary has both animated and text definitions. The text definitions also have letter or number sign images to aid in visualizing the sign’.
    • Non Verbal Dictionary
      ‘Items in this Dictionary have been researched by anthropologists, archaeologists, biologists, linguists, psychiatrists, psychologists, semioticians, and others …’. It covers signs, gestures and body language.
    • SYMBOLS.com
      ‘SYMBOLS contains more than 2,500 Western signs, arranged into 54 groups according to their graphic characteristics. In 1,600 articles their histories, uses, and meanings are thoroughly discussed. The signs range from ideograms carved in mammoth teeth by Cro-Magnon men, to hobo signs and subway graffiti.’
  5. Other Language Dictionaries
    Includes portals, specific languages, … .
    • DictSearch
      A ‘global dictionary to search in 275 dictionaries on the Internet. Translate from 69 source languages into 73 target languages - 400 language combinations.’ Translators, technology, forums and more.
    • Linguist List - Web Resource Listings
      A collection of ‘bilingual and multilingual dictionaries, dictionary meta sites and monolingual dictionaries and lexicons’.
    • Rap Dictionary, The
      For those into the world of rap this is a must visit site.
    • Rasta Dictionary
      Learn how to speak Rasta and know what is being said.
    • Wiktionary
      ‘A collaborative project to produce a Free multilingual dictionary in every language, with definitions, etymologies, pronunciations, quotations and synonyms.
      Excellent !.
  6. Reverse Dictionaries :
    • OneLook® Reverse Dictionary
      ‘Lets you describe a concept and get back a lot of words and phrases related to that concept. Your description can be a few words, a sentence, a question or even a single word.’
    • The Wordtree
      ‘The world’s only full-language Reverse Dictionary. It directs you from a mere idea to its precise wording !’

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S - Z

  1. Scientific Dictionaries :
    2.
  2. Software, Dictionary :
    • Everest Dictionary
      A downloadable, Free dictionary with more than 35 components including a range of languages. A huge range of options available.
    • Sage, The
      ‘A professional software package that integrates a complete dictionary and a multifaceted thesaurus of the English language into a single and powerful language reference system.’ Best of all, it is Free.
    • XTerm Medical Dictionary
      ‘This medical dictionary is a private project that endeavours to offer high quality, and Free of any charge, medical information to those individuals involved in learning and practising human medicine.’
  3. Thesauri :
  4. Unusual Dictionaries :
    • Devil’s Dictionary, The
      ‘Since the material here represents the view of one individual and was written in the early years of this century, there will no doubt be material here that you will find sexist, nationalist, racist, or just generally offensive. A most unusual dictionary indeed !’ Proceed at your own risk.
    • Foolish Dictionary, The
      Sub-titled ‘An exhausting work of reference to un-certain English words, their origin, meaning, legitimate and illegitimate use, confused by a few pictures. ’ Quite funny - depending on your point of view.
    • MB Free Psychic Dictionary
      ‘This is our first attempt at gathering a vast and extensive collection of all terms related to Psychism.’
    • Pseudodictionary
      ‘The place where words you’ve made up can become part of an actual online dictionary ! - slang, webspeak, colloquialisms … you name it, if you know a word that should be in the dictionary but isn’t, submit it and we’ll post it on this site.’ A totally different approach !
    • Strange & Unusual References
      Web and print versions of the dictionaries of 1 letter words, all consonant words and all vowel words, plus links to other unusual dictionaries and book recommendations.
    • Street Terms
      [Drugs and the Drug Trade]
      ‘The Street Terms database contains over 2 300 street terms that refer to specific drug types or drug activity. The database is used by police officers, parents, treatment providers and others who require a better understanding of drug culture.’ US. Also downloadable in .pdf format.
    • Visuwords
      ‘Online graphical dictionary.’ This provides a graphical linkage system using definitions, interpretations and thesauri type links. Quite interesting.

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