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A Column Filled With Definitions

© Robert Powers

Do you have a recent dictionary in your home library? Recent is the operative word.

I imagine that the answer for most of us would be in the negative. With the constantly changing world that seems to invent new words faster than we can figure out what they mean, the assumption probably is that no matter what new dictionary you might buy, it won't really be all that up to date. Most dictionary publishers introduce new editions at intervals of several years.

That's not the case with the publisher Random House, which has a major division devoted to reference books. Their new college dictionary is updated on an annual basis.

Probably the latest and most word wise on the market is the dictionary series that continues to fascinate me. The latest version of the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary ($75) is definitely worth your attention. Now, I don't use my unabridged dictionary on a daily basis in my duties as an online copy editor, as I find the Random House College Dictionary ($24.95) adequate in all but exceptional cases.

The unabridged version for this year includes a fully updated CD-ROM with 120,000 clear audio pronunciations. No other dictionary priced this low comes complete with the disc version. The CD has been updated to ease its use with computers with Windows 95 and later versions.

The unabridged dictionary contains more than 315,000 definitions with 1,500 entries and definitions updated for this edition.

The college dictionary is a wonder, often offering more extensive definitions that its major competitors. It also lists 300 words which it defines as offensive, with "the N-word" pointed out as the most offensive word of them all. The editors warn that "Its degree of offensiveness has increased markedly in recent years, although it has been used in a derogatory manner since at least the Revolutionary War." The warning continues that all but one of its uses are "deeply disparaging and are used when the speaker deliberately wishes to cause great offense."

The college dictionary contains 100 words that have recently entered the English language, including geek, road rage, DVD, FAQ (frequently asked questions), ISP (Internet service provider) and Roth IRA.

I've been using various editions of the college dictionary from Random House for years. It's thorough, often has more detailed definitions that other leading dictionaries, and is indispensable for anyone who works with the language on a daily basis.

For families with a narrower need for dictionaries, Random House Webster's Modern Office Dictionary ($16.95) may be a winner. Besides the core dictionary, the 800-page book contains general information, plus sections on business, computer and legal terms. And there's a list of abbreviations. All in all, it's a handy and portable guide that will answer many sticky problems.

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