Computer terms get into WebSters

THE newly updated Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary contains a few computer words but it surely can't be for the first time.

Words like MP3, MPEG, digital subscriber line and IT have all made the evolution from GeekAsSheIsSpoken to MainStream language according to the dictionary's editors.

Normally it takes 20 years before the use of a word becomes common enough for Websters to consider it a real word. However MP3 made it in just eight years.

"Nanotech" also made a relatively quick entrance as a shortened noun form of "nanotechnology".

Merriam-Webster issues a new edition of the ColleGiate DicTionary every 10 years and then issues annual UpdDates. Apparently next year the editors are thinking of adding the word "Blog", which rhymes with "log" and "bog". µ