Writer's Product Comparisons: Words, Phrases and Glossaries

A Writer's Tool Box

Words, phrases and definitions are a writer's work tools. The tool box comes in many sizes and varieties. This article is about on-line web sources for writers. The sources mentioned in this article are no charge to the user. There are some common sources you may be familiar with already. Others are ones I have heard about that may be new to you.

Some of the sources apply to specific fields, like medical and legal. Others provide links to other sources. Some provide synonyms and antonyms. These sources are like a Sears Craftsman's Tool Box filled with tried and reliable tools for writers.

New Products:

MetaGlossary.com

This new beta version glossary provides definitions and alternate uses of words and phrases for over two million words, terms, phrases and acronyms. The great feature is the flexibility of the site. It comes up with citations that cross over disciplines. As an example: I typed in the word, "corrupt." The first part of the search results relates to data. It is Internet technology term. It defines corrupt as being "data which has been altered."

MetaGlossary then goes on to provide examples and links to web sites that are used as their source. It also provides keywords; Alterations and Errors. Next, MetaGlossary provides the general use of the word, "corrupt." The general use of the word is to, "destroy or subvert the honesty or integrity of." The key words are; Subvert, Integrity, Moral, Young. There are links to alternate uses of the word.

Law.com

This resource is perfect for anyone who needs a quick check on the definition of a legal term or phrase that most dictionaries may not contain. Many legal terms are Latin in derivation others may be from Old English law which came across the Atlantic and were Incorporated into our American legal system. Law dot com allows you to type in the word or phrase and search for the exact definition of the word or phrase. As an example; res ipsa loquitur is a term used in many personal injury cases or in discussions of evidence.