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

Invite a 'pescatarian' to your 'infinity pool'

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 7, 2008 3:52 PM CDT
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(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.

The word ginormous is framed by fingers after being added to a draft copy of the upcoming Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, in Springfield, Tuesday, July 3, 2007.
The word "ginormous" is framed by fingers after being added to a draft copy of the upcoming Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, in Springfield, Tuesday, July 3, 2007.   (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Merriam-Webster senior editor Jim Lowe sifts through a card catalog of entries that track a word's use in the mass media.
Merriam-Webster senior editor Jim Lowe sifts through a card catalog of entries that track a word's use in the mass media.   (AP Photo/Nathan K. Martin)
The eleventh edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary is seen stacked on other dictionaries at the company's headquarters in Springfield, Mass., Tuesday, July 3, 2007.
The eleventh edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary is seen stacked on other dictionaries at the company's headquarters in Springfield, Mass., Tuesday, July 3, 2007.   (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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Merriam Webster • dictionary • words • lexicon • definitions

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