This feature retrieves and displays definitions and/or images for selected words. These definitions may be retrieved from a local/personal glossary, a dictionary, or a collaborative knowledge base (such as Wikipedia). Numerous browser plugins are already available to do this, as well as automatic definition features in chat programs (such as Trillian’s interface to Wiktionary definitions).

This feature often times also displays synonyms of the selected word and the context in which the synonym can be used.The way that text is defined may vary depending on the implementation and the user group.

Discussion by Disabilities

For people with cognitive, learning, and language disabilities or literacy problems, these definitions make it easier to read and understand pages that may otherwise have difficult language. Displaying pictures along with the definition, helps people associate the word in a visual form.

Existing Products

Please note that these products are not necessarily endorsed by RtF, but represent the range of available options.

This feature is built into many word processors and office programs. Many products are available as plugins to Firefox and other browsers, including the following:

Products that provide definitions

Products that provide images along with definitions

Related Research and Papers

Papers related to use of dictionaries for people with disabilities

Papers related to use of picture dictionaries for people with disabilities

Related content in the DeveloperSpace