I love words. I do. I use the dictionary many times each day to verify definitions, check spellings and discover new words. Before switching to Answers.com I used Dictionary.com. I may have found something still better: Wordnik.com.

I discovered Wordnik at TedTalks a few weeks ago. Lexicographer and Wordnik founder, Erin McKean, gave a fascinating talk.

Wordnik is much more than an online dictionary: it’s a wiki, aggregator, and word search engine all in one. You can see related words, read examples of the word used in context, listen to pronunciations, discover new words serendipitously, peruse Flickr photos related to the word, study the etymology, look at usage statistics, and see current tweets that use the word. You can also get dictionary definitions, as expected.

Wordnik is in early beta development. There is a lot of potential for it to be a powerful lexicographic tool! I still revert to Answers.com when I can’t find what I’m looking for at Wordnik, but I’m sure those occurrences will become less frequent as Wordnik improves.

Wordnik tweets, too. :) (@wordnik)

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dictionary · english · erin mckean · language · lexicography · lexicon · online · TED · tedtalks · word

Helen Fisher tells us why we love + cheat
Ted Talks, February 2006

And I’ve also come to think that it’s one of three, basically different brain systems that evolved from mating and reproduction. One is the sex drive: the craving for sexual gratification. W.H. Auden called it an “intolerable neural itch,” and indeed, that’s what it is. It keeps bothering you a little bit, like being hungry. The second of these three brain systems is romantic love: that elation, obsession of early love. And the third brain system is attachment: that sense of calm and security you can feel for a long-term partner. (more…)

anti-depressant · cheat · drive · evolution · love · lust · marriage · psychology · sex · TED · ted talks

I want one!

Pattie Maes & Pranav Mistry: Unveiling the “Sixth Sense,” game-changing wearable tech
TED, February 2009

This demo — from Pattie Maes’ lab at MIT, spearheaded by Pranav Mistry — was the buzz of TED. It’s a wearable device with a projector that paves the way for profound interaction with our environment. Imagine “Minority Report” and then some.

communication · computer · meta · Minority Report · TED

This orchestra is phenomenal! If you read the story you’ll appreciate it even more. Turn up your speakers and enjoy.

How a transformative musical experience came to TED
TEDBlog, February 18, 2009

Gustavo Dudamel · music · orchestra · TED · Teresa Carreño Youth Orchestra