thesaurus
[ thi-sawr-uhs ]
/ θɪˈsɔr əs /
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noun, plural the·sau·rus·es, the·sau·ri [-sawr-ahy]. /-ˈsɔr aɪ/.
a dictionary of synonyms and antonyms, such as the online Thesaurus.com.
any dictionary, encyclopedia, or other comprehensive reference book.
a storehouse, repository, or treasury.
Computers.
- an index to information stored in a computer, consisting of a comprehensive list of subjects concerning which information may be retrieved by using the proper key terms.
- a dictionary of synonyms and antonyms stored in memory for use in word processing.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of thesaurus
First recorded in 1730–40; from Latin thēsaurus, from Greek thēsaurós “treasure, treasury”
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use thesaurus in a sentence
The very Graduses and Thesauruses were raked for phrases to pelt me with by the tiny pedants.
The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb|Charles Lamb
British Dictionary definitions for thesaurus
thesaurus
/ (θɪˈsɔːrəs) /
noun plural -ruses or -ri (-raɪ)
a book containing systematized lists of synonyms and related words
a dictionary of selected words or topics
rare a treasury
Word Origin for thesaurus
C18: from Latin, Greek: treasure
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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