Explains the origins of thousands of words, proverbs, idioms, foreign language expressions, animal and plant names, and nicknames.

The Morrises, well-known lexicographers, published a dictionary of the same title in 1977, a revision of a three-volume work published between 1962 and 1971. This new revision, which provides histories of interesting words and phrases in the English language, is similar in concept to several books by John Ciardi. Like Ciardi's works, the etymologies and phrase origins are presented in a readable style, making them a joy to browse.

Provides definitions and examples of words and phrases used in different geographical regions of the United States.

A guide to references commonly used in speech and writing. Explains more than 900 allusions. Entries include examples from todays leading media. A must for serious readers, language lovers, and ESL students.

Presents information on congenital birth defects, giving the name, known or suspect cause and brief description as well as available treatments where applicable.

Alphabetically arranged entries for film adaptations provide the date of release, the production company, and the director and screenwriter, and discusses the plot of each film.