Dictionaries are facing what might be called a "defining moment." After all, of what use are these chunky tomes in our era of digital communication, when a new word (or a new meaning of an existing word) can instantly go viral, circling the world like a satellite in a matter of seconds? Have dictionaries become irrelevant?

In fact, the rapid evolution of language has made dictionaries, whether printed or digital, more valuable than ever. The editors of the best dictionaries watch the linguistic heavens closely. When a new twinkle appears in the sky, they wait patiently to determine whether it's merely a shooting star or a supernova that will secure a permanent place in the firmament.

Because dictionary editors refrain from adding new words or meanings until these novelties have become well-established in the language, dictionaries provide a solid foundation of widely used, agreed-upon definitions. Thus, paradoxically, rapid changes in language actually make dictionaries more valuable than ever.

But, before we get too starry-eyed about dictionaries, let's explode four common myths about them:

No. 1: Dictionaries tell you exactly how to spell a word.

Not always. Sometimes dictionaries list two accepted spellings. This applies not only to differences between British and American spellings, e.g., colour/color, theatre/theater, but to American variations as well: ax/axe, employee/employe, gray/grey, judgment/judgement, catalog/catalogue).

No. 2: When you hear a word, you can always check its spelling in the dictionary.

Picture a gnu, a czar and a ptarmigan who try to look themselves up in the dictionary. They search fruitlessly under "n," "z" and "t," respectively, until they become so frustrated they consult a psychiatrist. But they can't find "psychiatrist" in the dictionary either because they look under "s."

No. 3: If a word isn't a word, it won't be in the dictionary.

Not always. Even though most authorities agree that "alright," "kudo" and "ain't" ain't words, you'll find them listed in most dictionaries.

No. 4: Dictionaries tell people what words mean.

Actually, it's the other way around. Most dictionaries are "descriptive" rather than "prescriptive"; that is, instead of prescribing what the meanings of words should be, they describe the meanings people give them.

So, when people started using a term for a bottom-dwelling, bewhiskered fish to describe an internet impostor, dictionaries added a new definition for "catfish."

You can look it up.

Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Connecticut, invites your language sightings. His new book, "Mark My Words," is available for $9.99 on Amazon.com. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via email to WordGuy@aol.com or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

Photo credit: libellule789 at Pixabay