2. HEADWORDS(11)

The words you look up on a page are printed in bold type(12) and are called HEADWORDS. Look up the word FERRET (on page 506). It is written in bold type and found toward the middle of the right hand column.

3. SYLLABICATION

Many dictionaries divide words into syllables, or sound units, often by placing a dot (·) or slash (\) between them. Knowing where to split a word correctly is useful when you cannot fit the whole word on a line and must hyphenate it onto the next line. See how the word is split when there isn’t enough room for it on the line.

When John and Elizabeth moved into their new apartment, they bought a ferret because a friend said that they were quiet pets.

The Canadian Oxford Dictionary does not show syllables, so you will have to use another dictionary if you need to find out where to divide words. To find out more about syllabication, ask your instructor to explain the rules used to divide words.

4. PHONETIC SYMBOLS

Next look at the “funny” looking symbols that follow the headword and are set off with back slashes (\). These symbols are phonetic symbols. They are not as mysterious as they look and show you how to pronounce words correctly, even if you have never heard or seen them before. Every dictionary has a list (usually at the beginning or end of the book) entitled “Pronunciation Symbols” or “Pronunciation Key”. Look it up in the Table of Contents. In the Canadian Oxford Dictionary, it is on the inside of the back cover. For easier reference, a summary of the phonetic symbols is included at the bottom of each page.

11.called "entry" words in other dictionaries

12.dark letters