Special features
Some general and subject dictionaries include some encyclopaedic features in dictionary. They add to the value of a dictionary as it becomes a convenient ready reference tool.
- Geographical and historical details of different places involving population, size and other census figures.
- Biographical sketches of some notable persons in different fields.
- Names of famous social, political, economic, religious, educational organisations, institutions and associations.
- Maps, sketches or illustrations of words which are difficult to explain.
- Coloured pictures of flowers, vegetables, fruits, birds, insects, animals, automobiles etc. with natural colours and proportionate sizes.
- Tables of weights and measures.
Apart from the above particular features, dictionaries also have abbreviations and acronyms, signs and symbols, comparative tables of pronunciations, foreign terms, word and phrases used in many subjects, rhyming words, idioms and their usage etc. In short, unabridged dictionaries can provide all types of information needed for ready reference.