LibGuides: Research Services: Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

Electronic Dictionaries & Encyclopedias purchased by the Library

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography by H. C. G. Matthew (Editor); Brian Harrison (Editor)
Call Number: REF DA28 .O95 2004
ISBN: 019861411X
Publication Date: 2004
The library now has this resource in print and electronically!

Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
A collection of encyclopedias, dictionaries and other reference books that cover all subjects.
Funded by ISU Libraries
Oxford Reference Online: Premium Collection This link opens in a new window
Contains cross-searchable dictionaries, encyclopedias and other reference books published by Oxford University Press. All subject areas are covered.

Oxford English Dictionary Online This link opens in a new window
Britannica Academic This link opens in a new window
Encyclopaedia Britannica Online

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
Call Number: Reference Collection: PE 1628. A 623 2000
This dictionary offers concise definitions of English words.
Cassell's Dictionary of Slang
Call Number: Reference Collection: PE 3721. G 74 2000
This dictionary defines slang terms and expression in British, American, Australian, and other varieties of English.
How Not to Say What You Mean: A Dictionary of Euphemisms
Call Number: Reference Collection: PE 1449. H 548 2002
This dictionary lists and defines common and not so common euphemisms in English.
The Oxford Dictionary of Foreign Words & Phrases
Call Number: Reference Collection: PE 1582. A 3 O 94 1997
This dictionary defines words and phrases from other languages that have been adopted into English.
The Oxford Dictionary of Pronunciation for Current English
Call Number: Reference Collection: PE 1137. U 66 2003
This dictionary lists thousands of words with their pronunciations. Pronunciations are written in the International Phonetic Alphabet.

Dictionary.com
This online dictionary also includes a thesaurus, a translator, and links to other language tools
OneLook Reverse Dictionary
This site allows you to search for words by typing in descriptions of their meaning.
Online Dictionaries and Translators
This site lists hundreds of dictionaries and translators for many of the world's languages. Dictionaries and translators are listed by group; the groups are listed in a menu at the top of the page. NOTE: Many online translator services have difficulties translating slang, idioms, and colloquialisms.
Terminology Collection: Online Dictionaries
This Web site lists links to dictionaries for foreign languages and glossaries for dozens of different fields, including forestry, space, religion, the European Union, and more.
yourDictionary.com
This online dictionary also has links to foreign language resources, a built-in translator, information about language histories and development, and a discussion board for linguists and logophiles (word lovers).