The Oxford American Desk Dictionary and Thesaurus

An all-in-one reference providing convenience, value, and the authority of Oxford dictionaries.

The Oxford American Desk Dictionary & Thesaurus Third Edition is the ideal all-in-one reference, with a dictionary and a thesaurus combined in one handy, integrated volume. A word's meanings, synonyms, and antonyms are given in the same entry, allowing the user access to all this information at a glance.

The text is fully updated with the latest lexical content, informed by Oxford's extensive language research program, including the Oxford English Corpus, a unique electronic database of more than two billion words that allows us to offer the fullest, most accurate picture of the English language today. Hundreds of new words cover computing, ecology, technology, and many other subjects.

The Dictionary & Thesaurus includes helpful extra features such as a center Reference section, which includes thoroughly updated appendices. Within the text, usage tip boxes help users write more effective English. A completely redesigned interior lends an open, readable look that makes this reference accessible and easy to use.

Reviews

From Library Journal

Originally published in 1997, this desk reference draws on the Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus and is designed specifically for American readers. The new edition includes 50,000 new or updated entries, e.g., "9/11," "tankini," "wally-ball," "burka," and "light rail," for a total of 150,000 entries, synonyms, and senses. While most dictionaries offer synonyms in the occasional entry, this resource substantiates its claim of fully integrating the dictionary and thesaurus functions by providing synonym lists for more than 40 percent of the entries. In addition, selected definitions (about 150 altogether) are followed by a "synonym studies" section that discusses the specific meanings and connotations of that word's various synonyms, whose own entries include See references to the entry in question. The front matter contains a good "How To Use" section with an entry map explaining format and symbols, a key to pronunciation, and a list of abbreviations; a ready-reference section in the back contains a punctuation guide, weights and measures, countries of the world, and the like. The inclusion of acronyms is not comprehensive (e.g., "DOB," "ER," "USB," and even "WATS" are listed, but URL is not), and a hint of bias can be found (e.g., telepathy is defined as "the supposed paranormal communication of thoughts"). Even so, this concise dictionary/thesaurus combination is an excellent resource for home users and students. While it cannot replace a complete dictionary and thesaurus, the low cost and the portable format make it a good choice for circulating collections or where a concise reference is needed.
Lauren Stara, San Juan Island Lib., Puerto Rico
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Appealing....A useful choice."--American reference Book Annual

Product details

• Series: New Look for Oxford Dictionaries
• Hardcover: 1024 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press; 2 edition (August 22, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195159349
• ISBN-13: 978-0195159349
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 2 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds