Etymology & Dictionary.app?

October 8, 2009 10:11 AM

How can I add an etymology reference/resource to Apple's Dictionary.app?

Not even sure if this is possible but I'm looking for something along the lines of http://www.etymonline.com/ ...

If there are nothing like this available what would be involved in creating either a standalone app or resource plugin for dictionary.app?

Thank you again, Metafilter. : )

posted by jofuu to computers & internet (3 comments total)

Well, I don't know what you're talking about. Dictionary.app already has a comprehensive etymological entry for most words.
posted by Electrius at 10:58 AM on October 8

Also, Dictionary.app is just a version of the New Oxford American Dictionary. I don't think you could just add to it. Also, what Electrius said.
posted by hwickline at 11:27 AM on October 8

Actually, the dictionary app can access a number of sources right out of the box, including Wikipedia, dictionaries for other languages, etc. This project can apparently format a source so that dictionary.app can use it. Getting the source is another problem. Clearly Apple is using some kind of API to access Wikipedia. I doubt eymonline offers one.
posted by adamrice at 3:09 PM on October 8