The Gutenberg Webster's Unabridged Dictionary: Section C

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

661

Title

The Gutenberg Webster's Unabridged Dictionary: Section C

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents the letter 'C' from the 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, offering comprehensive definitions, etymologies, and usage notes for thousands of entries. Ideal for researchers, students, and enthusiasts of language history, it captures the rich linguistic heritage of early 20th-century American English.

Summary up to 500 words

Section C of the 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary serves as a comprehensive linguistic and encyclopedic resource, meticulously organized alphabetically to cover entries beginning with the letter 'C'. This volume reflects the scholarly rigor of Noah Webster's original work, preserving archaic spellings and obsolete meanings alongside modern usage to showcase the evolution of English vocabulary. The section spans a vast array of subjects, ranging from abstract concepts like 'conceit' and 'concentrate' to specific terms in biology, such as 'Cyst' and 'Cypress', law, and history. Each entry provides detailed definitions, illustrative quotations from classic literature, and etymological roots tracing back to Latin, Greek, or Old English. The text demonstrates an encyclopedic scope, covering topics from musical theory and optics to zoology and botany. Entries are meticulously organized with cross-references to related terms and pronunciation guides, ensuring clarity and depth. The dictionary acts as both a practical reference tool and a historical artifact, capturing the intellectual currents of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Notable entries include 'Czar', detailing the title of the Russian emperor and its linguistic connections to 'Caesar', and 'Cynic', describing the philosophical school known for moroseness and contempt for others. The section also explores botanical classifications like 'Cyperaceous' and 'Cypress', highlighting the durability of cypress wood and its historical use in mourning. Medical terms such as 'Cyst' and 'Cystitis' are defined with precision, while legal concepts like 'Cyprus' explain rules for construing written instruments. Through its exhaustive coverage and adherence to Webster's original standards, this section stands as a testament to the richness and complexity of the English language.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

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Categories

• Dictionaries
• English Language