Bücher von Houghton Mifflin Company

• More than 70,000 entries • Thoroughly revised and updated • 2,500 new words and meanings • More than 400 photographs and illustrations • Expert guidance on correct usage   YOU ARE YOUR WORDS   The words you use define you. Make the most of them with The American Heritage® Dictionary.   THE FIFTH EDITION FEATURES   Clear definitions written in a style that is accurate and easy to understand New words and senses in all areas from science and technology to food and clothing Biographical and geographical entries that identify the people and places you need to know Useful illustrations that enhance the definitions and make learning easier Expert guidance on usage based on surveys of the American Heritage® Usage Panel Etymologies, synonyms, antonyms, and much more

Did you know that cats are related etymologically to caterpillars? Or that Thomas Edison played a key role in popularizing the use of the greeting ?Hello?? Or that muscles were originally mice, since a flexed biceps looks like a little rodent scurrying under the skin?Word Histories and Mysteries provides a panoramic view of the unique richness of English, uncovering the origins of five hundred everyday words whose surprising and often amusing stories offer insights into the history of humankind. Arranged in convenient alphabetical order, the notes are written in a lively and entertaining style perfect for browsing. The reader can learn how some of the most recent words, such as the computer term wiki, were coined, or trace the origins of English back to the Indo-European language spoken long before the invention of writing.A short introduction outlines the techniques linguists use to trace the history of words, and a handy glossary explains the linguistic terms that describe the ways in which language changes over time. Photographs and drawings help familiarize the reader with the ancient objects or cultural practices from which our words have sprung.Fascinating and fun to read, Word Histories and Mysteries is an ideal gift for high school or college students interested in language and for anyone who wants to know more about the curious sounds we make to communicate every day.