The accepted authority on the evolution of the English language, the OED details the meaning, history, and pronunciation of over half a million words, both present and past, from across the English-speaking world. It traces the usage of words through 2.5 million quotations from a wide range of international English language sources and also offers etymological analysis and listings of variant spellings. Indexes articles, books, conference proceedings, government documents, book chapters, and statistical directories about public affairs. Reference USA Directory information, SIC codes, credit ratings, and number of employees for U.S. businesses and organizations as well as telephone directory information for individuals. Not all states are covered under each topic.
Sources covered include government agencies, associations, and international associations.
Full text of selected records from Readers' Guide Abstracts, Social Sciences Abstracts, Humanities Abstracts, General Science Abstracts and Wilson Business Abstracts. WorldAlmanac OCLC FirstSearch Search tips Includes text of The World Almanac and Book of Facts, The World Almanac of the U.S.A., The World Almanac of U.S. Politics, The World Almanac for Kids and The World Almanac Knowledge Source. WorldBook OCLC FirstSearch Search tips Full Text. World Book Encyclopedia, International edition. Many British spellings.