Dictionary

a book containing a list of the principal words of the language, together with definitions or explanations of their meaning. The words are arranged usually in alphabetical order. If the words are accompanied by definitions in another language, the work is called a lexicon. Thus we speak of a lexicon of the Greek language. The distinction is not observed with care, however. The oldest dictionary known consists of clay tablets found in the library of Nineveh. Their date is about 650 B. C. The cuneiform inscriptions of the Babylonians are placed in vertical lines, each followed by explantations in the same kind of character. Several Greek lexicons are known to have been written. A dictionary of the words used by Homer, prepared at the University of Alexandria, is one of the oldest that has been preserved. A number of English dictionaries, the oldest dating from 1616, were succeeded in 1755 by Dr. Samuel Johnson's famous dictionary of the English language. Other dictionaries still referred to are those of Perry, Sheridan, Walker, and Smart. The earliest American dictionary maker was Noah Webster. His first edition appeared in 1806. His American Dictionary, the first large American work, was published in 1828. It was the forerunner of the International of 1890. Other American dictionaries are the Worcester, the Standard, and the Century. The Century is a revision of the large English work of Ogilvie. At the present time, Murray's English Dictionary on historical principles, is passing through the English press. It is intended to include every word in English literature, with a complete history of each. Under the letter B, for instance, there are 17,729 words. The set will include many volumes, and is designed chiefly for college libraries. As to number, the International Dictionary defines about 400,000 words and phrases, the Century about 300,000 words. The Standard vocabulary claims 425,000 words. The various Romance languages have about 125,000 words.