For middle and junior high school students, the latest edition of this reference text has been updated to reflect the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. With 700,000- plus entries, the range of vocabulary covered is suited to the needs of older students, while the definitions are written in everyday language that will be clear to younger students. The text includes 1,000-plus pictorial illustrations, special sections on common abbreviations; names of figures from history, mythology, and the Bible; place names; and signs and symbols. Traditional etymological information is not included for all entries; some entries are followed by a "word history" paragraph and dictionary etymology to begin introducing students to the concept. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)