Whether you're new in business, or have been at it a while, knowing the best dictionary, glossary, or thesaurus to clarify confusing terminology will keep you moving forward. New words and phrases are constantly being coined and added to reference guides. It's hard to keep up.

A thesaurus gives words of similar meanings to the one you seek. A dictionary defines the word, specifies its usage, and gives a brief history of the word. A glossary is handy for grammatical usage and gives cross-references to other relevant terms.

Print and online dictionaries and glossaries exist for any specialized field. A medical dictionary is a reference tool for doctors, pharmacists, and students. There are science dictionaries for various scientific fields since the terminology is specific to the area of study.

Keep in mind that it's natural for vocabulary needs to change as your business grows. Use available resources to find the information you need:

1. Grab the dictionary, thesaurus or glossary from your shelf, flip through the pages and find what you need.

2. Use your computer mouse to click and search for the terminology or service you seek.

3. Keep up with industry-specific jargon using industry-specific word tools.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Just a click away, use an online dictionary, online glossary, or online thesaurus

It is important to have Internet access in order to exist in today's business world. Online resources are a great benefit to any business and can save you a lot of time.

I recommend: The Dictionary of Small Business is helpful for defining corporate terms and words. The Glossary of Financial and Business Terms is a handy site for the finance and accounting terms you encounter. Just type in the word or phrase you seek into Webopedia, or choose a category, and have answers appear on the screen. Find new wording for common terminology at Thesaurus.com.

Keep counting with a math dictionary or math glossary

Math glossaries assist with usage for math-related terms. Math dictionaries lend themselves to defining terms as well as giving formulaic examples.

I recommend: Cut the Knot offers an extensive mathematics-focused glossary along with many other math- and logic-related interactive resources. Mathwords offers advanced mathematical definitions alphabetically and by subject area. Coolmath offers definitions of numerous math terms for kids, parents and teachers.

See through the scope with a science dictionary or science glossary

If your terminology needs cross into any scientific field a standard English dictionary will probably not help. Science terms are quite specific, so finding a dictionary or glossary focused on the field of study is the best way to go.

I recommend: Babylon has a free science dictionary which is an accumulation of several fields of science dictionaries such as astronomy, biology, chemistry and earth science. Glossarist is a science glossary covering numerous scientific areas.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Create a custom dictionary for your employees to use if there are key terms, phrases, and/or acronyms that are specific to your business.
• •  Develop a quick reference dictionary to share with customers who may be unfamiliar with your company's internal jargon.