Abbreviation
An abbreviated word or phrase.
Annotation
Annotations provide additional information about dictionaries created by the user. Annotations are stored in *.ann files, which are plain-text files whose extension has been changed to .ann. The name of an annotation file must be the same as the name of the dictionary for which it has been written. Annotation files are optional.
Adding a dictionary
You can add dictionaries onto the Bookshelf via the Dictionaries... dialog box. Dictionaries on the Bookshelf can be enabled or disabled.
Bookshelf
The Bookshelf is a bar that contains all the dictionaries available for the current pair of languages. Dictionaries on the Bookshelf can be enabled or disabled.
Card
Cards display dictionary entries which correspond to the word or a phrase typed in the search field.
Collocation
Collocations are pairs or groups of words that regularly co-occur. Typical English collocations are, for example 'strong tea' and 'heavy smoker'.
Enabling a dictionary
When you enable a dictionary, Lingvo uses it to translate your queries and to carry out full-text searches. To enable a dictionary, click its button on the Bookshelf.
Full-text search
Full-text search is a search for a word or a phrase in the whole text of all the enabled dictionaries.
Index
For each newly added dictionary, Lingvo builds an index, so that the entries from this dictionary can be used in full-text searches.
Labels
Labels provide additional information about a word. In Lingvo there are part-of-speech labels, usage labels, register labels, etc. If you drag your mouse cursor over a label, a question mark will appear. Click on the question mark to see the full text of the label.
Lingvo Agent
Lingvo Agent
is a small program that is initiated at system startup and starts Lingvo whenever you press Ctrl+Ins+Ins or Ctrl+C+C.
Magic Keys
These are hot keys that allow you to translate words and phrases in other applications.
Monolingual dictionary
A dictionary written in only one language. Monolingual dictionaries include explanatory dictionaries, dictionaries of abbreviations, dictionaries of phrases, dictionaries of synonyms, thesauri, etc.
Permanent card
A card becomes permanent when you click
. Unlike temporary cards, a permanent card will remain open until you close it manually.
Quick translation
Quick translation is the process of translating words/phrases by pressing a combination of hotkeys (Magic Keys) rather than typing them in the search field.
Search field
A box at the bottom of the main window where you type or paste words you wish to translate.
Source language
A source language is the language from which you are translating. The source language is chosen from the left-hand drop-down list on the Languages bar. Depending on which language you choose, the set of dictionaries on the Lingvo Bookshelf and words in the word list will change accordingly.
Sub-entry
A sub-entry is an entry within another entry.
System dictionary
System dictionaries are dictionaries shipped as part of the Lingvo package.
Target language
A target language is the language into which you are translating. The target language is chosen from the right-hand drop-down list on the Languages bar. Depending on which language you choose, the set of dictionaries on the Lingvo Bookshelf and words in the word list will change accordingly.
Temporary card
A temporary card closes when you click the Close Temporary Cards button. By default, all cards you open are temporary.
Thesaurus
Thesaurus is a monolingual dictionary in which words a grouped by meaning.
This version of Lingvo contains The Thesaurus of Russian Business Words, where you can find groups of synonymous words often used in the language of business (e.g. in contracts, technical documents, business letters, etc.). Thesauri are useful when you are not sure which word to use in a given context. They can be a good translation aid when used together with bilingual dictionaries.
Unchangeable words
Words that have only one grammatical word form.
User dictionary
A user dictionary is a dictionary that has been created by a Lingvo user. User dictionaries can be editable (*.lud dictionaries created directly in the Lingvo shell) and non-editable (*.lsd dictionaries created by means of the DSL Compiler).
Word list
The word list includes all the words from all the enabled dictionaries. The words in the word list are sorted alphabetically.