dic ‧ tion ‧ a ‧ ry /ˈdɪkʃən ə ri $ -neri/ BrE AmE noun ( plural dictionaries ) [countable]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Medieval Latin ; Origin: dictionarium , from Late Latin dictio 'word' ; ⇨ ↑ diction ]
1 . a book that gives a list of words in alphabetical order and explains their meanings in the same language, or another language:
a German – English dictionary
2 . a book that explains the words and phrases used in a particular subject:
a science dictionary
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COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ use a dictionary
We advise all our students to use a good dictionary.
▪ look something up in a dictionary
If you don’t understand the meaning of a word, look it up in a dictionary.
▪ check a dictionary
I often check the dictionary for spelling and pronunciation.
▪ consult a dictionary formal (=check something in a dictionary)
Consult the dictionary for examples of how a word is used.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + dictionary
▪ a pocket dictionary (=small enough to be carried in your pocket)
Pocket dictionaries don't always give you enough information.
▪ an electronic dictionary (=small electronic machine containing a dictionary)
Electronic dictionaries are very popular in Japan.
▪ a bilingual dictionary (=with translations from one language into another)
A bilingual dictionary is an essential purchase for anybody learning a foreign language.
▪ a monolingual dictionary (=written in only one language)
Monolingual dictionaries tend to have more examples than bilingual ones.
▪ a picture dictionary (=containing a lot of pictures, especially for children or beginners in a language)
The advantage of a picture dictionary is that you don't have lengthy definitions.
▪ an online dictionary (=one you can use on the Internet)
There are plenty of online dictionaries available free on the Internet.
▪ an etymological dictionary (=showing the origin and history of words)
Etymological dictionaries show how languages borrow words from each other.
■ dictionary + NOUN
▪ a dictionary definition
Clear dictionary definitions are what students look for.
▪ a dictionary entry (=the definition and all the other information at a word)
The introduction explains the functions of the different parts of a dictionary entry.