Author

Publication

2005 - HarperCollins Publishers, New York, New York (State)

Language

English

Word Count

58,000 words, Guess

Page Count

232 pages

Identifiers

and 2 more
  • Goodreads945508
  • LibraryThing575687

Classifications

  • DDC423/.1
  • LCCPE1680 .C59 2005

Description

Merriam-Webster, move over! Until now, no English dictionary ever found the fun or the fascination in revealing the meanings of letters. One-Letter Words, a Dictionary illuminates the more than 1,000 surprising definitions associated with each letter in the English alphabet. For instance, Conley uncovers seventy-six distinct uses of the letter X, the most versatile, most printed letter in the English language. Using facts, figures, quotations, and etymologies, the author provides a complete and enjoyable understanding of the one-letter word.Conley teaches us that each letter's many different meanings span multiple subjects, including science -- B denotes a blood type and also is a symbol for boron on the periodic table of elements -- and history -- in the Middle Ages, B was branded on a blasphemer's forehead. With the letter A, he reminds us that A is not only a bra size, but also a musical note.One-Letter Words, a Dictionary is a rich, thought-provoking, and curious compendium of the myriad definitions attributed to each letter of the English alphabet. This book is the essential desk companion, gift, or reference volume for a vast array of readers: wordsmiths, puzzle lovers, teachers, students, librarians, and armchair linguists will all find One-Letter Words, a Dictionary a must-have.

Subjects

Genres

  • Dictionaries.

Reader Reviews

No reviews yet for this book.

Be the first to share your thoughts!