Online Dictionaries
Below is a collection of a few reliable online dictionaries for student use. Since expanding the logical definitions of words is a common practice in scientific work, young scientists should spend a good amount of time exploring and making good use of reliable dictionaries.
- Wiktionary
- Google Dictionary (which you can also add to Google Chrome as an extension)
- Dictionary.com
- The Free Dictionary (by Farlex)
- Merriam-Webster Online (but see also their Britannica (Learner’s) Dictionary)
- Cambridge Dictionary Online
Dr. Merritt also has a few favorite word-focused websites he can personally recommend…
- Visuwords — different from almost every dictionary you’ve ever seen!
- ScienceNews Explores, one of the best science websites for students, has a fantastic Scientists Say: Your Weekly Word feature. Be sure to check it out.
- For students interested in the history/origin of particular words, Dr. Merritt highly recommends the Online Etymological Dictionary, which also has its own Google Chrome extension.
- Although words are an important foundation for knowledge and understanding, they can also be a source of pleasure and play. If you’ve never played the NYTimes-hosted Wordle game, then be sure to do so. Forewarning: it can be addictive (but surely there are worse addictions!).