This update of the third edition, last reviewed here [RBB Mr 1 89], continues the New World tradition of currency with a special emphasis on American colloquialisms and slang as well as words, senses, forms of words, and idioms that are American in origin. Words that are American in origin are preceded by a star. The 1994 update includes 150,000 entries (200 of them new to this edition), more than 11,000 Americanisms, and many new senses for older terms. Population data have been updated to reflect the 1990 census, biographical entries have been updated to reflect deaths and new accomplishments, and geographic entries have been revised to reflect political upheaval. All areas of life have been surveyed, with additions ranging from the fields of politics (e.g., perestroika has been added) and science and technology (virtual reality), to slang (wuss) and social science (African-American). Some new words found in other dictionaries are not here: for example, history and checkbook journalism are in Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, tenth edition, and karaoke and wallyball appear in the newly revised Random House Unabridged Dictionary.