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General dictionaries & encyclopedias

Dictionaries

Oxford English Dictionary online This link opens in a new window
Find the meaning, history and pronunciation of more than a half million words, both present and past.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary This link opens in a new window
Find pronunciation, etymology, date, function, and definitions. Offers alternative words if your entry is misspelled.

Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia Britannica Online This link opens in a new window
Find authoritative reference materials covering art, biographies, history, literature, maps, sports, statistics, and more.

Other encyclopedias

Wiley Online Library This link opens in a new window
Search subject-specific reference handbooks and guides.
Gale Virtual Reference Library This link opens in a new window
Search subject encyclopedias and other reference works. Select the title list at the top of the screen to see a list of the titles included.

Subject-specific dictionaries & encyclopedias

Browse our subject guides for more specialized dictionaries & encyclopedias.