Welcome, fellow word wranglers and linguistic adventurers!
Today, we’re embarking on a journey not just through words, but through an institution of words – one so vast it often feels like an entire universe contained within paper covers. We’re talking, of course, about the Oxford English Dictionary. And not just any OED, but the monumental 20-volume second edition from 1989. When you’re staring down a particularly baffling crossword clue, doesn’t it feel like you need access to every single word ever conceived? Well, that’s precisely the kind of comprehensive resource this edition represents.
But our focus isn’t on the dictionary as a whole today. Oh no, we’re getting far more specific, far more intriguing. We’re zooming in on one singular, isolated location within this colossal work: the 21,728th page. Think about that for a moment. Twenty-one thousand, seven hundred and twenty-eight pages. It’s a number that boggles the mind, a testament to the sheer scale of the English language and the relentless dedication of its lexicographers. Every single word on every single page represents a potential answer, a hidden gem, or a mischievous misdirection for any crossword clue.
Why this particular page, you ask? Ah, that’s the heart of our puzzle. For those of us who live for the thrill of unraveling a daily crossword clue, every word holds a story, every definition a potential path to victory. The OED, in its glorious entirety, is our ultimate companion in this quest. It’s where we seek not just meanings, but etymologies, historical usages, and those wonderfully obscure synonyms that unlock the trickiest of crossword puzzle clues. The thought that a specific page, buried deep within 20 weighty tomes, might hold a word of particular significance to our beloved pastime is, frankly, irresistible.
Consider the meticulous effort involved in compiling such a dictionary. Each word, each nuance, each historical citation – all painstakingly researched and recorded. It’s an archaeological dig into the very fabric of our communication. So, when a modern crossword clue sends us spiraling into the depths of etymology or an archaic usage, it’s often the OED we turn to, hoping its encyclopedic wisdom will shed light on our predicament. Many a challenging crossword clue has led me down similar rabbit holes, emerging hours later, slightly disheveled but utterly triumphant, having unearthed the perfect word.
The 21,728th page promises a linguistic treasure. What kind of word could reside there? Is it a common term with an unexpectedly rich history, perfect for a cryptic crossword clue? Or perhaps a beautifully obscure Anglo-Saxon survival that only the most seasoned solvers could possibly know without a dictionary by their side? The beauty of the OED, and indeed of any challenging crossword clue, is the invitation to explore, to learn, to connect disparate pieces of information. It reminds us that language is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving, constantly offering new surprises.
This specific page within the 1989 edition embodies the profound depth and breadth of English. It’s a testament to how far one can delve into the history and usage of a single word, to understand its journey from obscure origins to perhaps a pivotal role in today’s crossword clue. So, let’s peel back the layers, prepare for a deep lexical dive, and explore the context of what makes the 21,728th page of the Oxford English Dictionary such a fascinating focal point for anyone passionate about solving crossword clues and celebrating the English language. This isn’t just about finding a definition; it’s about understanding the entire universe that a single word can contain.
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Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0913-25 NY Times Crossword 13 Sep 25, Saturday