A Dictionary With a Point of View

Announcing Merriam-Webster's Visual Dictionary—the first visual dictionary to incorporate real dictionary definitions

SPRINGFIELD, MASS., July 2006 — Merriam-Webster, America's most respected language reference publisher, will introduce a new dimension to illustrated reference books this fall. Along with 6,000 full-color illustrations, the new Merriam-Webster's Visual Dictionary incorporates more than 20,000 dictionary-scale definitions. Every page of this unique volume is designed to both catch the eye and enrich the mind.

Created by skilled graphic artists, the strikingly realistic illustrations and detailed diagrams within Merriam-Webster's Visual Dictionary help readers find words corresponding to a vast range of objects, environments, and concepts. The thousands of clear and precise definitions, prepared in cooperation with the editors of Merriam-Webster, supplement the visual images by providing essential information that cannot be seen or is only suggested by any given word, answering questions about function, significance, and purpose.

Unlike conventional dictionaries with A-Z listings, Merriam-Webster's Visual Dictionary is organized by subject area. The full-color pictorial images are grouped into 17 chapters outlining major themes the likes of astronomy, plants, animals, arts and architecture, transport and machinery, society, and sports and games. In turn, the most complex themes are split into 94 sub themes—the chapter on earth, for example, is divided into geography, geology, meteorology, and environment. Additionally, every object or concept illustrated in the book is indexed for quick and easy reference.

Merriam-Webster's Visual Dictionary has been developed in conjunction with QA International, the main division of Groupe Quebec Amerique. Founded in 1989, the company is now a leading producer of state-of-the-art digital imagery for print and electronic media throughout the world.

Ideal for teachers, parents, translators, as well as students of all skill levels including learners of English as a second language, Merriam-Webster's Visual Dictionary will be available in bookstores across the country in October 2006.

Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
Merriam-Webster Inc. acquired the rights to revise and publish Noah Webster's dictionaries in 1843. Since then, Merriam-Webster has maintained an ongoing commitment to innovation, scholarship, and love of language. Today, the company continues as the leader in both print and electronic language reference publishing with reference products, learning tools, and word games.