Terms Guide

searching looks for exactly what you typed, which requires you to consider synonyms and variant spellings (e.g., "heart attack" vs. "myocardial infarction").

(or controlled vocabularies) are standardized terms used in databases like PubMed (MeSH terms).

: Instead of just looking up a definition, use a concordance —a list that shows every instance of a word in a text aligned with its preceding and following words. This reveals patterns of co-occurrence and specific usage. Keyword vs. Free-Text Searching : searching looks for exactly what you typed, which

: A list at the back of a book that identifies the exact pages where specific terms or topics are discussed.

: If you are learning new terms, use digital tools like the Merriam-Webster app to save words, or browser extensions like Readlang and Lookupper to get instant definitions and create flashcards while reading. Text Features to Look For : Instead of just looking up a definition,

In academic or technical writing, "useful" terms are often organized into specific sections:

: This tool analyzes any text you paste, automatically generating a list of the most useful vocabulary words and showing how they are used in context. Free-Text Searching : : A list at the

: A simple utility to find the "top" or most frequent words in a block of text. Strategies for "Looking at Terms"