Guest Author - Debbie Striker
Can an online dictionary be fun and double as a thesaurus? Warning: you may just learn something new while playing with this cool online tool!
Most dictionaries allow you to search for a word and find it’s meaning but that’s about it. Did you know there’s a cool online graphic that mixes a dictionary with a thesaurus? Utilizing the open source database built by Princeton University students and language researchers, Visuwords has created a unique and fun way to learn new words, find exactly the right word or simply play around and roam through the beauty of connected words and concepts.
Using the program is simple. Visit the website, type in a word and click search. In moments, the word pops up in the middle of your screen along with all of the other words and concepts that are connected. Each word is in the center of a circle connected by different lines. Both the circles that hold the words and the lines between them are color coded. An easy to read legend allows you to quickly see what relationship any types of words pop up.
The effect that is created by the lines and circles is meant to remind you of a neural net. You can further play with you words by dragging the circles around the screen. If you’d like to dig a bit deeper into any of the choices that come up, you can double-click on the nodes and additional connecting words will appear.
The software does have several limitations. If you’re looking for multiple, in-depth definitions and the entomology of words, this program won’t give you that. You also need to know the correct spelling of the word you are searching. Incorrectly spelled words result in a blank screen. The program is stocked with a ton of simple definitions and additional ideas of words that connect to your original search. It is a great starting point to quickly find out what a particular word means and what other words mean similar things.
Visual learners will enjoy the interplay of graphics that result from a word search. Whether you’re a writer, an artist, a student or someone who just enjoys learning new things, you could have a lot of fun with this website. The best part is it won’t cost you anything!
For those who use a dictionary often and run Firefox, you can even add Visuwords to your search bar and have it available immediately. Go have gun on the site and let me know what you think about it on our forums!
http://www.visuwords.com ~ Visuwords online graphical dictionary and thesaurus.
