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Glite Dictionary
electronic dictionary

electronic dictionary

3.5
A digital tool or app that shows word meanings and translations
  • noun
  • /ɪˌlɛkˈtrɒnɪk ˈdɪkʃənɛri/
translation icon : diccionario electrónico

Examples

  • She called 1-800 numbers clear across the country, requesting a bedside clock that talked, a pocket-sized electronic dictionary, and a black leather map case for the glove compartment.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • It is not merely the latest gizmo thrown off by the forces that, over the last twenty-five years, have been separating words from paper: word processors, electronic dictionaries, CD-ROMs, the Web.

    Academic text (2000)

  • Faculty member Martha Stone Wiske has developed a 16-week online course that teaches educators throughout the world how to create curriculum using learning tools such as graphing calculators, electronic dictionaries, CD-ROMs, and the Internet.

    Academic text (2002)

  • Students can easily look up unfamiliar words in their electronic dictionary during study sessions.

  • Many language learners prefer using an electronic dictionary for quick access to definitions and translations.

  • An electronic dictionary allows you to search for words by typing or using voice commands.

Synonyms

dictionary
vselectronic dictionary
165 1.0

A book or website that lists words and shows their meanings

is specifically the digital, searchable version for use on electronic devices
MRD
vselectronic dictionary
  • Specialized
8.2

A dictionary saved in a form that computers can read

is the consumer-facing digital version accessible and searchable on devices
machine readable dictionary
vselectronic dictionary
  • Specialized
4.3

A digital list of words and information that a computer can read

is a digital, searchable form meant for users rather than raw processing

How Accessible

electronic dictionary
3.5
dictionary
  • Specialized
5 4.3

Surface Forms

electronic dictionary singular
electronic dictionaries plural

Morphology

electronic + dictionary

The meaning 'a dictionary in digital/electronic form' is directly and transparently derived from combining the adjective 'electronic' (connected to electronic technology) with 'dictionary' (a book/list of word entries). This simple adjective+noun composition is a common, compositional pattern across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Electronic dictionary: The name electronic dictionary comes from putting a dictionary, a book of words, into a small electronic device that uses electricity to work. So, it means 'a dictionary' in digital form you use on a computer or phone to look up words quickly.