Reversed Dictionary

[Jet2]

Just wonder if there is anything like that providing on-line? We've got a lot of on-line different dictionaries already. With which we can type in a word to find the meaning. What I want to find is a dictionary we can type in the meaning to find the suitable word. Any suggestions anyone? Thanks in advance.

Jet2

[DFINITLYDISTRUBD]

Don't know of any but it sounds like a D@#n3d good idea to me!!!!!

[Jet2]

Does it related to A.I.? So that it's difficult to create?

[CraigD]

Originally Posted by Jet2

What I want to find is a dictionary we can type in the meaning to find the suitable word.

Originally Posted by Jet2

Does it related to A.I.? So that it's difficult to create?

Yes and No. What your describing could be implemented using something short of Turing test-capable AI, in the form of a large knowledge database “linking language with meaning”.

The longest running and most famous examples of this I know of is Doug Lenat’s Cyc. It’s supposed to have a web portal, but when I followed the links from the wikipedia article to OpenCyc.org and tried the “try it out here” link, I got an error.

There’s considerable controversy over how well such approaches can work, and the field is very far from my specialty and reading experience, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a bit of intense exploring might turn up something like what Jet describes.

[Jet2]

Thanks CraigD for the info.
And I found some more info here though not yet try as you said...

http://www.cyc.com/cyc/technology/wh...dir/whatsincyc

[Jet2]

I think it can be done but may not be instantly.

Say if we can gather a group of people (or invite more and more people) who is interested in being the source, then when anyone post a question (sentence of meaning to find appropriate word) to the system, the source who happens to saw it can provide the answer accordingly.

And through time, we can collect enough information to build a backward dictionary.

Just wonder if Hypography would like to start this project?

[VS Prasad]

Use this site. It has "Reverse Dictionary" menu at the top.

OneLook Dictionary Search

[Jet2]

Originally Posted by VS Prasad

Use this site. It has "Reverse Dictionary" menu at the top.

OneLook Dictionary Search

Thanks VS Prasad!

I have tried it.
Seems ok.
Will try it more to see if it's really useful.

Hi DNIFITLYDISTURBD, you can try it too.
See if it's what you are looking for?

Merry Christmas to you 2!

[Turtle]

Originally Posted by Jet2

Just wonder if there is anything like that providing on-line? We've got a lot of on-line different dictionaries already. With which we can type in a word to find the meaning. What I want to find is a dictionary we can type in the meaning to find the suitable word. Any suggestions anyone? Thanks in advance.

Jet2

I think that you have just more or less described Google, Yahoo, or any of the myriad search engines available. Admittedly you have to try & figure out the right search phrase still, but the engines have the basics. Try starting searches with words & phrases like 'define', 'who said', 'where is', 'what does' , etcetera, followed by your question in everyday terms. I use a question mark at the end too, but I don't know if that still counts as a wildcard or not in searches? Given that the same question might have many variations in expressions, including all the human mistakes, I think a reverse dictionary as you outline it is impractical. What do you call someone that installs horseshoes?

[Jet2]

Dear Turtle,

Why don't you try the Reverse Dictionary @ OneLook Dictionary Search as well?

Somehow I think a reverse dictionary is very pratical especially for a non-English speaker like me. I am a Chinese, although I speak and write English very often, I find many time I would be stuck by not knowing how to name or call something which I only know a rough meaning.

Have a Merry Christmas day man!