I didn't know about complaisant--thanks!

What's the feature called? It sounds great. I usually just type the word into my Google search box, followed by definition. But I like your idea better.

I recently discovered the online Merriam-Webster pronunciation dictionary. It uses audio files to say the word aloud. I discovered that I've been mispronouncing lupine all these years......

The word-click sounds like it would save me hours of time. Whenever I look up a single word in a dictionary I get interested in all the *other* words on the page. An hour later I have to go back to the original word because I've forgotten what I was looking for!

Think I read that Kindle and other similar products have that word-click feature. Handy.

If they want you to say "loo-pin" why is that final 'e' on the end, which would make it "loo-pine" with a long 'i'?

I keep a Webster's Dictionary from 1988 right beside the computer. I use it to check spellings when I am posting.

What's the feature called?

"Dictionary"

It is a program on my MacBook, but perhaps it is on Windows machines also?

Linda, Google can often be used as a quick "spell check" as it will say "did you mean xxx", if you misspell a word. However, my computer makes a red underline as I type a misspelled word. Then, I right click on that word & it gives me options for correcting.

I use dictionary.com. Kindle does have a feature where you can see the meaning of a word in whatever you are reading.

I have an old paperback dictionary I use for spellings, definitions, meanings. Does anybody know, is The Oxford English Dictionary available on line? When I was in college, I used it frequently when writing papers, especially for my English classes.

I have a new Microsoft dictionary that I use at the PC often, but your idea is really much better. Thanks for the info.

Looks like it is, Jannie.
Googled:

Here is a link that might be useful: Askoxford.com

If I'm at the computer, I just use the Google search box. A dictionary definition is usually one of the first responses.

Just FYI, dictionary lookup is one of the many text message services offered by Google. You send a text to GOOGLE and in the body of the message, you write, "define complaisant". Within a few seconds, you get a text with the definition.

(Btw, the other Google text service I use all the time is phone lookup. A text saying, "Phone number Rudy's Restaurant, Salem, MA" gets you a retuns message with the business address and a clickable link for the phone number.

I have a data package for my phone, but it's much quicker to text Google.

I do have a Thesaurus but have a OLD 1935 school dictionary that I really like because it has so many old words that are not used anymore. For instance it has the word dicker- to trade or barter by petty bargaining,goodwife meaning mistress of the house-leggings meaning extra outer covering of cloth or leather for the legs,use out of doors, swoon meaning to faint.It is so much fun to look at!
Lois in cold,snowy Iowa

There's a feature on my Kindle that defines words. Love it.

My favorite obscure word is "fecund" - meaning, capable of producing much vegetation or offspring.

So every summer, I joke about going to pick weeds in my fecund garden.

I use both dictionary.com and thesaurus.com on a regular basis. Before the web came about, I always had a small dictionary and thesaurus sitting at my side when I worked. Would be lost without them.

Even still, never knew about "Complaisant".

Jodi-

In Opera I have a spell check as I type things and can highlight a word and right click Dictionary to look it up at merriam-webster.com. Occasionally I'll use Google and type define ____ for something if it's quicker. And you can get several more definitions that way too. I don't use a lot of books anymore. The internet is my library.

Lots of words have been deleted from many peoples' dictionaries I believe. Words like, ethics, morals, integrity, responsibility....

DH are avid scrabble players and keep 2 dictionaries at our sides. I haven't gotten to the point where I'll buy a Scrabble dictionary. I wouldn't be able to remember all those obscure words to use.

complaisant and fecund. Hmmm looks like I found a new word for my scrabbling! I'll have to check to see if they're in my dictionaries, otherwise they aren't usable words.

So you're NOT really swearing, when you mention being out in your fecund garden?? LOL

I just highlight the word, ie Complacent, copy and paste it into the Search space at the top right of whatever site I am on. Click and there is a Mirriam Webter, Ask, etc; take your choice.

Sue

on the top of the AOL Tool bar under EDIT is a Dictionary and a Thesaurus And Isometime s go to Merriam Webster but a lot of jusnk downloads to the screen from that site

I still love my old 70's dictionary that shows much wear from Scrabble and crosswords.

I like http://www.onelook.com
and
http://www.word-detective.com This is where I get stuck and just keep reading, forgetting what I originally came for.

I do mainly google search