Merriam-Webster just announced its new Dictionary API, which gives developers access to the full dictionary and thesaurus, along with more specialized content like medical, Spanish, ESL and student-targeted vocabulary lists.
The API will let app makers integrate word definitions, etymologies, audio pronunciations and more.
The potential of the amount of good apps that can be using this API is only a mind's thought away. It is very predictable that a slew of new educational applications will come out, powered by (or at least powered partly) of this API.
Merriam-Webster says it will also enhance word games, so maybe Scramble and Words with Friends will finally start accepting those obscure three-letter words you have up your sleeve :)
A nice press release is below.
MERRIAM-WEBSTER UNLOCKS AMERICA'S FAVORITE DICTIONARY TO DEVELOPERS WITH NEW API
SPRINGFIELD, MASS., July 12, 2012 - Today Merriam-Webster announced the launch of DictionaryAPI.com, their API Developer Center, unlocking America's most trusted dictionary content to developers worldwide.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary API gives developers access to comprehensive dictionary and thesaurus content from a wide range of best-selling references including Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary and its popular series of grade-appropriate student dictionaries. Specialized resources include medical, Spanish-English, and English-language learners' dictionaries, thus allowing developers to integrate content into applications at appropriate age and learning levels.
"We want to empower developers with relevant, up-to-date content," says John M. Morse, President and Publisher at Merriam-Webster. "With this new API, we are providing a rich environment where developers can easily tap into authoritative content encouraging digital innovation for a wide range of products, including word games and creative new interactive educational apps, for any market- children, adults, or language learners,"
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary API includes access to definitions, audio pronunciations, example sentences, etymologies, synonyms and antonyms, and more. For more information please visit http://dictionaryapi.com.