Get a Dictionary!

It isn't available online yet, but the last page in the April Atlantic has a marvelous response to two letter writers asking for definitions on two different words. The Word Court writer points out that while dictionaries cannot be expected to define every possible word that you might want it to define, good dictionaries cover an amazing amount of turf. He specifically suggests two dictionaries that I would also recommend:

• The American Heritage Dictionary
• The New Oxford American Dictionary

Yes, they cost a bit of dough, but if you're serious about using words--and any person with an eye on success in our world should be--then think of these as more of an investment than as an expense.