Webster's New Explorer Medical Dictionary

Library Journal

Added to this pronouncing dictionary for human and veterinary medicine are 2000 more entries than appeared in the 1999 edition, many of them covering diseases (e.g., avian influenza, or bird flu) and new treatments (e.g., the corrective eye surgery procedure known as LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), as well as updated information on virus classification. Drug names and generics are also discussed. For example, the entry for Lasix (not to be confused with LASIK) states that it is a brand name of the diuretic medication furosemide. Definitions of body parts named after people include brief details about their namesakes—e.g., the entry on the Müllerian duct gives Johannes Peter Müller's nationality (German), dates of birth and death (1801-58), and profession (scientist specializing in comparative anatomy).
—Martha E. Stone

Library Journal

There is no shortage of books addressing the proper usage of the English language, with every major publisher weighing in on the subject. With access to Merriam-Webster's impressive file of more than 15 million citations, the editors of this comfortable-sized volume had an amazing resource at their disposal. The 1500 entries found here are meant to address the most common issues, like when to use ensure vs. insure, how to use those pesky collective nouns, and whether or not snuck is the proper past tense for sneak. Also included are thousands of examples further clarifying the meaning of words. With its straightforward approach, clear descriptions, and alphabetically arranged entries, the book is easy to navigate. On the other hand, running section heads would have made the "Glossary" and "Punctuation Guide" in the back a bit easier to identify. Instead, it appears that the final 50 or so pages are just out of order. Bottom Line In a market saturated with guides to English usage, it might be tough for this book to find its niche. School or public libraries on the tightest of budgets, and without a current usage guide, will find it a worthwhile expenditure.-Manya Chylinski, Boston Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.