Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary is the biggest English language dictionary. It is aimed at non-native speakers, and is published by the Oxford University Press. It has been used by approximately 35 million readers all over the world. The first edition of this dictionary was published in 1948. The current edition is the eighth edition. Apart from being available in printed form, the latest edition is also available in the form of a CD-ROM. The latest edition covers a lot more ground than its predecessors. It has a total of 184,500 words, meanings, and phrases. It has also introduced a thousand new words. Around 700 global words that are now considered a part of English are also included. An added advantage is that about 3000 special words or key words are highlighted and these include some of the most useful words, and their meanings. There is a new interactive section that includes several vocabulary banks corresponding to a variety of topics. Numerous dictation and language exercises are also provided. The Oxford Writing Tutor and the Oxford iWriter (provided on the CD-ROM) are a couple of highlights of the latest edition. They are particularly helpful in preparing presentations and essays as well as in honing writing skills. Some of the other improved elements of the new edition include better look-up methods for entries, in-depth etymological information, and a visual vocabulary builder in colour.