Gives a synthesis of what linguistic science has discovered about words.

The technological realm provides an unusually active laboratory not only for new ideas and products but also for the remarkable linguistic innovations that accompany and describe them. How else would words like qubit (a unit of quantum information), crowdsourcing (outsourcing to the masses), or in vitro meat (chicken and beef grown in an industrial vat) enter our language? In Virtual Words: Language on the Edge of Science and Technology, Jonathon Keats, author of Wired Magazine's monthly Jargon Watch column, investigates the interplay between words and ideas in our fast-paced tech-driven use-it-or-lose-it society. In 28 illuminating short essays, Keats examines how such words get coined, what relationship they have to their subject matter, and why some, like blog, succeed while others, like flog, fail. Divided into broad categories--such as commentary, promotion, and slang, in addition to scientific and technological neologisms--chapters each consider one exemplary word, its definition, origin, context, and significance. Examples range from microbiome (the collective genome of all microbes hosted by the human body) and unparticle (a form of matter lacking definite mass) to gene foundry (a laboratory where artificial life forms are assembled) and singularity (a hypothetical future moment when technology transforms the whole universe into a sentient supercomputer). Together these words provide not only a survey of technological invention and its consequences, but also a fascinating glimpse of novel language as it comes into being. No one knows this emerging lexical terrain better than Jonathon Keats. In writing that is as inventive and engaging as the language it describes, Virtual Words offers endless delights for word-lovers, technophiles, and anyone intrigued by the essential human obsession with naming.

Chris Ferrie fans will love this perfect educational art book for babies and toddlers featuring essential STEAM words from the #1 Science author! Babies and toddlers are curious and ready to learn! Introduce them to art words that go beyond the basics with this first 100 words baby board book. From painting to photography, from music to theater, from literature to history and more, this is the bright and simple introduction to the smart words every budding scholar needs! Surprise your special little one at birthdays, baby showers, holidays, and beyond with the amazing opportunity to discover with this baby and toddler learning book! My First 100 Art Words makes a wonderful addition to many other gifts you may be searching for, such as baby first birthday gifts for girls and boys, early development toys for babies, baby learning games, gift sets for babies and toddlers, and more!

A cognition expert describes how meaning is conveyed and processed in the mind and answers questions about how we can understand information about things we've never seen in person and why we move our hands and arms when we speak.

Introduce key scientific concepts to your child and encourage early reading, writing and vocabulary skills Did you know that science is all around us, even on the playground? Open the pages of this illustrated picture and word book for young readers to discover the wonders of Science in 1000 words. This fascinating STEM education book for kids is packed with bright, detailed illustrations and easy-to-read terms. Every picture-packed page is full of scientific concepts such as sound, light, senses, and machines, with words for each image. It’s perfect for preschoolers or those learning English as a second language. This must-have reference book will broaden children’s vocabulary and strengthen their early reading and writing skills. Full of fun facts and stats, leading educational experts have carefully selected each topic with questions that stimulate thinking, talking, and early science skills. This vocabulary book also includes lots of useful nouns, plus some interesting adjectives, and common verbs. Feed your child’s curiosity and help them shape their language, science, and literacy skills. This will foster a love for science and critical thinking to inspire kids to want to know more about how the world around them works. Encourage Early Science, Vocabulary and Literacy Skills Discover a different and exciting STEM topic on every page of this science book for kids! Delve into the key scientific concepts from sound and light to plants and animals. It’s the perfect gift for children who are curious about science and keep asking the how and why questions! Use picture-and-word association to learn about STEM topics like: • Seasons, the weather, and why things get hot and cold • Machines, materials, and junk • Being at the doctor and inside the human body • Vehicles, transport, the moon landing, and much much more

From the latest breakthroughs in medical research and information technologies to new discoveries about the diversity of life on earth, science is becoming both more specialized and more relevant. Consequently, the need for writers who can clarify these breakthroughs and discoveries for the general public has become acute. In Ideas into Words, Elise Hancock, a professional writer and editor with thirty years of experience, provides both novice and seasoned science writers with the practical advice and canny insights they need to take their craft to the next level. Rich with real-life examples and anecdotes, this book covers the essentials of science writing: finding story ideas, learning the science, opening and shaping a piece, polishing drafts, overcoming blocks, and conducting interviews with scientists and other experts who may not be accustomed to making their ideas understandable to lay readers. Hancock's wisdom will prove useful to anyone pursuing nonfiction writing as a career. She devotes an entire chapter to habits and attitudes that writers should cultivate, another to structure, and a third to the art of revision. Some of her advice is surprising (she cautions against s