Search Engine Glossaries
There are dozens, if not hundreds of terms that describe various aspects of search engines and how they work. Though you can use most search engines on a basic level without understanding these terms, a good working vocabulary is a must if you want to become a first-rate searcher.
There are a number of helpful search engine glossaries on the web. You'll want to take a look at all of them, because they each have a different focus. Some concentrate on web search technology and how it functions. Others are geared toward searchers, explaining advanced searching techniques and methods. Still others are for webmasters and web marketers and the tricks they use to promote sites and achieve top search engine rankings.
Each of the sites listed here offers well-written definitions. You'll probably want to refer to all of them over time to help satisfy your questions about particular words and concepts used frequently in the world of search engines and searching.
Search Engine Glossary
http://searchenginewatch.com/facts/glossary.html
A brief list of terms that you'll see frequently in SearchDay and on the Search Engine Watch web site.
Search Terms Glossary
http://www.searchtools.com/info/glossary.html
An extensive list of search terminology, prepared by search tools maven Avi Rappoport. This glossary includes terms from both the worlds of web search engines and classic information retrieval systems. Terms used in definitions that appear elsewhere in the glossary are hyperlinked, making it easy to jump between related entries.
Glossary of Internet & Web Jargon
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Glossary.html
From the Teaching Library at the University of California at Berkeley, this glossary is aimed at novices and has definitions both of basic searching terms and concepts, as well as entries on web browsers, internet architecture and other related subjects.
Search Engine Terms
http://www.cadenza.org/search_engine_terms/
This glossary of search engine terms is designed to complement the discussions taking place on the I-Search Digest discussion list, which focuses on issues of particular concern to webmasters and online marketers. The glossary is also available in French, Dutch, German, Italian, Serbian and Spanish languages.
Search Engine Glossary
http://www.searchengineworld.com/glossary/
A hyperlinked list of words associated with search engine promotion and optimization. Clicking on a word will display its definition.
Glossary for Information Retrieval
http://www.cs.jhu.edu/~weiss/glossary.html
Scott Weiss provides an expanded list of terms and more technical definitions relating to search engines and information retrieval. This is the one to use if you really want in-depth knowledge of particular terms, phrases and concepts.
Webopedia
http://webopedia.com/
Webopedia is one of the largest online dictionaries and search engines dictionaries for computer and Internet technology. It's probably the most useful general-purpose glossary for all types of computer and online subjects.
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Farewell, SearchDay! - Dec 29, 2006
Search Engine Forums Spotlight - Dec 22, 2006
Highlights from the SEW Blog: Dec. 18, 2006 - Dec 18, 2006
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