Merriam-Webster's Audio Dictionary CD-ROM (Merriam Webster's Medical Audio Dictionary) [CD-ROM]

Merriam-Webster (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0877794731 | ISBN-13: 978-0877794738 | Publication Date: December 22, 2004 | Edition: 1

The dictionary program contains the full text of Merriam-Webster's Medical Desk Dictionary, Revised Edition. It contains useful tables and more than 750 illustrations. The dictionary software allows fast dictionary lookups, and also provides browse options and advanced search capabilities that allow you to conduct even sophisticated language research with ease. It contains 8 search options, including entry word lookups, defining text searches (e.g., searches for words within the definitions), searches for word function (e.g., part of speech) and usage notes (e.g., regional, temporal, or stylistic labels), as well as searches of the text of verbal illustrations or biographical sketches. Advanced search functions allow you to combine individual search options to create detailed searches that meet your needs.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The Merriam brothers desired a continuity of editorship that would link Noah Webster's efforts with their own editions, so they selected Chauncey A. Goodrich, Webster's son-in-law and literary heir, who had been trained in lexicography by Webster himself, to be their editor in chief. Webster's son William also served as an editor of that first Merriam-Webster dictionary, which was published on September 24, 1847.

Although Webster's work was honored, his big dictionaries had never sold well. The 1828 edition was priced at a whopping $20; in 13 years its 2,500 copies had not sold out. Similarly, the 1841 edition, only slightly more affordable at $15, moved slowly. Assuming that a lower price would increase sales, the Merriams introduced the 1847 edition at $6, and although Webster's heirs initially questioned this move, extraordinary sales that brought them $250,000 in royalties over the ensuing 25 years convinced them that the Merriams' decision had been abundantly sound.

The first Merriam-Webster dictionary was greeted with wide acclaim. President James K. Polk, General Zachary Taylor (hero of the Mexican War and later president himself), 31 U.S. senators, and other prominent people hailed it unreservedly. In 1850 its acceptance as a resource for students began when Massachusetts ordered a copy for every school and New York placed a similar order for 10,000 copies to be used in schools throughout the state. Eventually school use would spread throughout the country. In becoming America's most trusted authority on the English language, Merriam-Webster dictionaries had taken on a role of public responsibility demanded of few other publishing companies. 

Product Details

• CD-ROM: 1 pages
• Publisher: Delmar Cengage Learning; 1 edition (December 22, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877794731
• ISBN-13: 978-0877794738
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.9 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,089,258 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect tool book for foreigner medical guy, January 9, 2007

By 

Shuguang Jiang "ted4617" (Portland OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Merriam-Webster's Audio Dictionary CD-ROM (Merriam Webster's Medical Audio Dictionary) (CD-ROM)

If you don't speak English, and try to start your medical career in a English country. Merriam Webster's Medical Audio Dictionary can help you successful.

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice to have and very helpful, February 28, 2006

By 

Draco222 "Draco222" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Merriam-Webster's Audio Dictionary CD-ROM (Merriam Webster's Medical Audio Dictionary) (CD-ROM)

Best in: Quality of sound, sharp pronunciation, complete word coverage, shortcut menu access.

Desired improvements: pronunciation shortcut key, better integration with other products in the same family. (Shortcut key access causes crash after switching direction inside application), lack of examples and diagrams, no IPA reference.

So 4-stars though no 5-stars product found yet.