Multi-field dictionary

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title: "Multi-field dictionary" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["dictionaries-by-type"] description: "Specialized dictionary" topic_path: "general/dictionaries-by-type" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-field_dictionary" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Specialized dictionary ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/A_supplement_to_Ures_Dictionary_of_Arts,Manufactures,and_Mines,-containing_a_clear_exposition_of_their_principles_and_practice.(1864)(14595192618).jpg" caption="''Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures, and Mines''"] ::

A multi-field dictionary is a specialized dictionary that has been designed and compiled to cover the terms within two or more subject fields. Multi-field dictionaries should be contrasted with single-field dictionaries and sub-field dictionaries. The typology consisting of these three dictionaries is important for a number of reasons. First of all, a multi-field dictionary is an example of the ordinary technical dictionary, covering numerous subject fields, e.g. banking, economics, finance, insurance and marketing.

The main problem with multi-field dictionaries is that they tend to cover one or two subjects extensively, whereas the vast majority of subject are only represented by a limited number of terms.

Secondly, the typical multi-field dictionary tends to be a minimizing dictionary, i.e. it covers only a limited number of terms within the subjects covered.

Thirdly, if the lexicographers intend to make a bilingual, maximizing multi-field dictionary they run into problems with the large amount of data that has to be included in the dictionary.

Consequently, the best coverage of linguistic and extra-linguistic aspects within the subject field covered by a dictionary will be found in a single-field dictionary.

References

References

1. Kartashkova, Faina I.. (2014). "Multi-disciplinary Lexicography: Traditions and Challenges of the XXIst Century". [[Cambridge Scholars Publishing]].

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