The newly updated American Heritage(R) High School Dictionary, Fourth Edition, offers the distinctive qualities that characterize the American Heritage(R) line without including obscene words or offensive slurs. The dictionary features a modern, readable defining style, helpful guidance on English usage, and more than 2,500 photographs and drawings that enhance definitions and invite browsing.New to this updated release are recently prominent terms such as edamame, ringtone, sandboard, spyware, and Texas hold'em, and biographical entries for figures such as newly appointed Supreme Court justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Additionally, the Periodic Table of the Elements now includes the newest element, roentgenium, and the geographical entries reflect up-to-date geopolitical changes, such as the recent dissolution of Serbia and Montenegro.Usage notes based on the opinions of the renowned American Heritage(R) Usage Panel help the reader discern the difference between the conventional and the quirky in language use. Special features on synonyms, regionalisms, and word histories enrich vocabulary and show how language changes over time. The American Heritage(R) High School Dictionary, Fourth Edition, is the most comprehensive high school dictionary available today.