Reference Sources (Dictionaries)

Introduction

Access Points

Reference Sources

Contents

Encyclopedias (1)

Encyclopedias (2)

Dictionaries

Handbooks

Directories

Guides

Other

Using

Finding

Indexes & Abstracts

Dictionaries

If you are unfamiliar with the terminology associated with your research topic, consult a subject dictionary. Subject dictionaries provide definitions or short explanations of the terms and concepts used in a specific discipline or field.

For example, after looking at an encyclopedia entry on space stations, there may be terms that are unfamiliar to you such as "geosynchronous."

Subject dictionaries such as the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms can be used to find a definition of the above term as well as other terms related to space station technology:

geosynchronous satellite See geostationary satellite

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms

Looking up the definition above directs you to the definition below.

geostationary satellite [AERO ENG] A satellite that orbits the earth from west to east at such a speed as to remain fixed over a........

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms