etymology

Provides a look at the variety of American English, discussing the origins and history of our words and the changing cultural conditions that produced them; divided into such topics as Americanisims, cyberspace, advertising, crime, food, and generation gap.

Alphabetically-arranged entries provide the orgins and meanings of thousands of words and expressions.

Presents the etymology of over 500 words in the English language.

Contains over 30,000 entries with word derivations, spelling, pronunciation, and meanings. Also traces how the meanings have developed over time.

Examines the origins of the English language, and traces history back to understand how it adopted words from more than three hundred and fifty other languages, the secrets behind everyday words and expressions, and other related topics.

Spine title: Brewer's names. Over 8,000 entries reveal the origins of names including personal, place, and trade.

Chooses one hundred words that best illustrates the changing vernacular of English through time.

Presents the definitions, origins, and historical context of three hundred alphabetized, commonly used words; includes thirty sidebars on special subjects; and provides a comprehensive index.

Defines more than four hundred idioms from the English language.

Contains a comprehensive dictionary of word origins and traces the evolution of over fifteen hundred English words, a brief history of the English language, and extensive cross-references.