Which reference resource best helps a reader determine the meaning of technical words in a text
A. Thesaurus
B. Index
C. Glossary
D. Dictionary
D. Dictionary
The correct answer is D. Dictionary. A dictionary is the best reference resource to determine the meaning of technical words in a text. It provides definitions, pronunciations, and often includes additional information such as the origin and usage of the word. A thesaurus provides synonyms and antonyms but does not necessarily provide specific definitions for technical words. An index helps readers locate specific topics or terms within a book but does not provide definitions. A glossary is a specialized dictionary that defines terms specific to a particular subject or field. While a glossary can be helpful in understanding technical terms, it is not as comprehensive as a general dictionary.
The reference resource that best helps a reader determine the meaning of technical words in a text is a dictionary.
To find the meaning of technical words, you can use a dictionary specifically designed for technical terms. These specialized dictionaries provide definitions, explanations, and examples of technical words and concepts. They are particularly useful when encountering domain-specific terminology that may not be found in a regular dictionary.
To use a dictionary, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify the technical word you want to look up.
2. Locate a suitable technical dictionary, either in print or online.
3. Open the dictionary to find the alphabetical listing of words.
4. Find the word you are looking for, paying attention to any additional markers that may indicate its specific technical domain.
5. Read the definition and any additional information provided by the dictionary, such as usage examples, synonyms, or related terms.
6. Use the information provided to understand the meaning of the technical word in the context of the text you are reading.
While options A and B (thesaurus and index) can be useful in certain situations, they are not specifically designed for technical terminology and may not provide the precise definitions required for understanding technical words. Option C (glossary) is often included in technical texts, providing definitions of key terms within that particular text or domain. However, a glossary is limited to the terms included in the text and may not cover all the technical words you encounter. Therefore, the best resource for determining the meaning of technical words is a dictionary.