This is the first in a series of articles on the various applications that Google currently provide. We all know about Google Earth, Mail and of course Search, but there are many more tools that some users may not be quite so aware of; which will hopefully shed some light on in the coming weeks.
The first of these is the extremely simple, yet incredibly useful Google ‘Define:’. When using the site, whether in your toolbar or the main Google search screen, simply type in ‘define:’ followed by a word – for example ‘define: incredulity’. Once you’ve filled in the search, you should get an answer that looks something like the graphic below.
Whilst it may not be the most complex of procedures, this feature is an incredibly invaluable resource, particularly for a quick reference. It’ll provide answers from a number of sources ordinarily, with a small definition accompanying the URL of the site who provided the information.
Define: is certainly one of those tools that make Google such a useful one-stop referencing site. It’s also one that other search engines will need to better if they are to make a real dent in Google’s domination of the current market.
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Installing google toolbar on IE8 will provide the same functionality as an Accelerator (with preview). Highlight any text on the web page and select ‘Define with Google’ and a pop will show results.