Consult the Word List to learn about the spelling, capitalization, usage, and context of both internal and industry-standard names and terminology. Look up abbreviations, acronyms and short forms to avoid repetition and make your text more concise.

• Search for a word or term that you are interested in. Keep in mind that some entries are examples of deprecated terms or incorrect spelling; those entries usually offer an alternative term or correct spelling within their entry definition.

• If the word, abbreviation or acronym that you are looking for does not appear in the Word List, try consulting the following sources:

  • For information on the spelling of words that are not covered in any of the resources above, see American Heritage Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
  • If the Word List and the Microsoft Style Guide do not include an abbreviation or acronym that you are looking for, see the Acronym Finder.