| Dictionary Search |
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| Try another online dictionary, the Beazley Archive from Oxford |
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| Using the Dictionary Search |
Standard Search:
- The Standard search allows you to enter a Boolean expression to search for entries. Use the keywords AND, OR, NOT in your search.
- You can use parentheses () and brackets [] to logically group expressions and sub-expressions within your query.
- The NOT operator is a binary operator, as it actually implements set difference. In other words, "NOT Achilles" is an INVALID expression. "Peleus NOT Achilles", however is valid: It will return entries which mention Peleus but not Achilles.
- Spaces between terms are equivalent to OR (i.e. Achilles Peleus is equivalent to Achilles OR Peleus).
- You can also use wildcards in the Standard search:
- + Represents 0 or more characters
- ? Represents 1 or more characters
- _ Represents exactly 1 character
SoundEx Search:
- The SoundEx search uses a simple implementation of the SoundEx algorithm to find strings phonetically similar to your entry. You cannot use Boolean keywords or wildcards.
- SoundEx is best used when you don't know the exact spelling an of entry, or have an alternate spelling. (For example, a search for "Akhilleus" will return "Achilles.")
Results:
- The number of entries to display.
- A smaller result set will generally result in faster querying.
Cross-Linking:
- Turning cross-linking on with dynamically generate links to other resources on the site, including Maps, Timelines, and Dictionary entries, within the entry itself.
- It will also generate a table of related entries in the dictionary.
- Cross-linking is a time consuming process; you will have a longer lookup time when using it.
Media:
- This option determines whether the Dictionary will lookup pictures and movies relating the an entry.
- Media searches take very little time, so you may as well leave it on (unless you have something against pictures and movies).
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| Example Queries |
"(Achilles OR Peleus) AND Thetis"
This query will return all entries that mention Achilles and Thetis, or Peleus and Thetis. Notice the use of the parentheses.
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"(Zeus AND Metis) OR Muses"
Any entry that includes both "Zeus" and "Metis" or "Muses."
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"wool OR cloth?"
Any entry that contains "wool" or begins with the substring "cloth" (for example cloth, clothes, clothing, and clothed).
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"?ab? NOT ?ba?
Any entry that has "ab" as a substring, but not "ba". (This query isn't terribly useful, but it demonstrates the power of wildcards.)
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