How Do You Spell LOOK-UP?

Pronunciation: [lˈʊkˈʌp] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "look-up" refers to the act of searching for something in a reference book or database. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the word is transcribed as /lʊkʌp/. The first syllable of the word is pronounced as "luhk" with the "u" sound in "put," followed by the short "uh" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "up" with the "uh" sound in "cup." Overall, the word "look-up" is spelled according to its phonetic pronunciation in English.

LOOK-UP Meaning and Definition

  1. Look-up refers to the act of searching or finding information in a reference source or database. It is often used in the context of accessing data or details that are not readily available at the moment. A look-up can involve consulting various resources, such as books, websites, or specialized databases, in order to retrieve specific information.

    The term is commonly used in computer science and information technology, where it refers to a technique used to locate data based on a specific key or set of criteria. In this context, a look-up involves referencing an index or table to quickly access the desired information. Look-ups are extensively used in databases and programming, aiding in efficient data retrieval and manipulation.

    Look-up also encompasses the action of referring to a dictionary or similar source to understand the meaning, spelling, pronunciation, or usage of a word or phrase. It involves searching for a particular term within a reference work, such as a printed or online dictionary, to access its definition or related information.

    Overall, the term look-up signifies the act of searching or referencing a source to find information or data. It plays a critical role in retrieving relevant details efficiently, whether it is for programming tasks, research, or linguistic purposes.

Etymology of LOOK-UP

The word "look-up" is a compound word derived from combining the verb "look" and the particle "up".

The verb "look" dates back to Old English and is derived from the Germanic word "lōkōną", meaning "to see, gaze, or observe". This word has remained relatively consistent in its meaning across various Germanic languages.

The particle "up" has a similar history and comes from Old English and Germanic roots. It denotes a direction, specifically "towards the sky or a higher position".

When combined, the two words form "look-up", representing the action of directing one's gaze or attention towards a higher position or towards something above oneself. In the context of modern usage, "look-up" often refers to searching for information or finding something specific in a reference source, such as a dictionary or an online database.