Contains over 1300 entries on unexplained phenomena.

Combines authoritative definitions with the occasional humorous one.

The Chambers Dictionary, 12th Edition (Thumb Indexed) The dictionary of choice for word lovers Immerse yourself in the most interesting, authoritative, and helpful English dictionary available -- the unrivalled guide for word lovers. Whether you're an avid wordgamer or just enjoy revelling in the quirks and curiosities of the English language, The Chambers Dictionary is your ultimate companion. The Chambers Dictionary delves deep into all the glories of the English language, covering weird and wonderful words like spoffish, jobernowl, mullligrubs and humdudgeon, all the while ensuring it covers the latest developments in English. Meticulously researched and expertly written, the highly acclaimed Chambers range has been at the forefront of presenting knowledge and learning in an engaging and accessible way since it was first established in the 19th century. Over 620,000 words, phrases, and meanings First published in 1872, The Chambers Dictionary contains more words, phrases, and meanings than any other single-volume English dictionary. Rather than clog up space with lengthy definitions of everyday words, The Chambers Dictionary keeps them short, creating space for more intriguing, obscure, and historically-charged entries -- from alizari through to zuz. Peppered with witty definitions, Chambers is a pleasure to read. Highlights gems of English English is full of words that sound great, or that you never thought would exist. Only The Chambers Dictionary helps you discover them. Unrivalled help for wordgames Chambers is the dictionary of choice for crossword solvers, Scrabble(R) fans, and wordgame enthusiasts. The new Wordgame Companion section offers crossword code-breakers, indispensable two-letter word solutions, top-scoring Q and Z words, and much more. What is new in this edition? New words Now in its 12th edition, the dictionary has been updated to include words and expressions that have entered the language in the four years since the last edition was published. Word Lover's Miscellany The 12th edition includes a Word Lover's Miscellany with list upon list of words to appeal to the English language addict: - words to impress and surprise - words to cherish - words that are extinct - words that merit rescue - words to use in Scrabble(R) and other word games - words to watch - collective nouns - useful similes . . . and many more Beautiful finishing touches: Ribbon The Chambers Dictionary is the only popular dictionary to still provide one. Why? Simply because people love them. Beautifully flat on a desk The Chambers Dictionary lies perfectly flat on a desk so you can read the whole page with ease - even into the spine. Strong cloth binding, gold blocking, beautiful endpapers The Chambers Dictionary is made to an incredibly high quality, guaranteed to withstand years of love. Foiled cover Foiling on the cover gives The Chambers Dictionary a luxurious aesthetic. Less cumbersome than other dictionaries Slimmer and easier to hold, despite the fact that it contains more words than any other single volume dictionary. And all without reducing text size. It's a neat trick. Thumb index Only provided by Chambers. A standard version without a thumb index is also available (ISBN: 9780550102379).

The Harrap's Chambers English dictionary covers the latest words and meanings to enter the English language; it is the most complete and comprehensive single-volume dictionary of the English language available. Now brought up-to-date with the latest new words (bird flu, podcast, happy slapping, etc.). Over 215,000 references and 300,000 definitions. Includes thousands of literary, rare, dialect and archaic terms. More words and definitions than any other single-volume English dictionary. Layout that makes entries easier to use and words easier to find. Clear, succinct definitions, straightforward pronunciation guidance and scholarly explanations of word origins. Short history of the English language