Re:An update of 455 new words
by jfengel on Friday October 29, 2021 @12:16PM
(#29040271)
Yes, all dictionary makers have large files showing examples of current usages.
The OED is different in that (a) it retains historical examples rather than just current ones, and (b) it publishes that history.
You don't use the OED the same way as a conventional dictionary. Conventional dictionaries are used to check whether you're using a word right, or to understand a word you read in a contemporary document. The OED is for historical research, to study etymology or understand old works.
In this case, it's probable that they just screwed up the math. But they do have a sample they can point to.
The OED is different in that (a) it retains historical examples rather than just current ones, and (b) it publishes that history.
You don't use the OED the same way as a conventional dictionary. Conventional dictionaries are used to check whether you're using a word right, or to understand a word you read in a contemporary document. The OED is for historical research, to study etymology or understand old works.
In this case, it's probable that they just screwed up the math. But they do have a sample they can point to.