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October 12, 2008 3:43:31 PM CDT

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Eat, Drink, Be Merry With Dictionary's Newest Adds

Posted Jul 7, 08 3:52 PM CDT in US,  Arts & Living 

(Newser) – The Merriam-Webster dictionary has added nearly 100 new words based on frequency of use in the American lexicon, the AP reports. "If somebody is using it to convey a specific idea and that idea is successfully conveyed in that word, it's ready to go in the dictionary," said an editor. Some samples:

  • Pescatarian: a vegetarian who eats fish.
  • Infinity pool: Outdoor pool with an edge designed to make water appear to flow into the horizon.

  • Dirty bomb: Conventional explosive device that releases radioactive material.
  • Mondegreen: An instance where words are mistaken for other words.
  • Norovirus: Small, round single-stranded RNA viruses, such as the Norwalk Virus.

Source Associated Press

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