Dictionary

Blocks ::: block_definitions
Maintained by Tim Martinez
Adds a dictionary and thesaurus block to Moodle powered by the Merriam-Webster API.

Dictionary 1.2.1

Moodle 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5
Released: dissabte, 18 de gener 2025, 6:35 AM
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Dictionary

A block that allows students to look up definitions from the Merriam-Webster dictionary without having to leave Moodle.

In order to use this plugin you'll need to go to https://dictionaryapi.com and create an account. When creating the account, request API keys for the Collegiate dictionary and the thesaurus. (These are the only two supported dictionaries at this time).

Currently the dictionary only returns the "shortdef" entries from the API. The description of the shortdef tag is here: https://dictionaryapi.com/products/json#sec-2.shortdef

We strongly recommend after you install the plugin you compare the definitions from the plug to the definitions on the Merriam-Webster main site (https://www.merriam-webster.com/) to make sure it will meet your needs.

Change Log

current version - Some formatting tweaks to make Moodle happy.

2024121100 - Fix an error when near antonyms aren't included.

2021072101 - More code tweaks.

2021072100 - Various tweaks to comply with Moodle coding guidelines.

2021052100 - Some code cleanup. First public release

2021050601 - Store the dictionary used in the session variable to it sticks on subsequent pages.

2021050600 - Added support for a thesaurus

2021042900 - Initial Release

  • Multiple dictionary support.
  • Full definiations (instead of abbreviated).
  • Pronunciation and sounds.

Version information

Version build number
2025011700
Version release name
1.2.1
Maturity
Stable version
MD5 Sum
5c07d11d333c9510146043bac99c8bbd
Supported software
Moodle 3.8, Moodle 3.9, Moodle 3.10, Moodle 3.11, Moodle 4.0, Moodle 4.1, Moodle 4.2, Moodle 4.3, Moodle 4.4, Moodle 4.5
  • Latest release for Moodle 3.8
  • Latest release for Moodle 3.9
  • Latest release for Moodle 3.10
  • Latest release for Moodle 3.11
  • Latest release for Moodle 4.0
  • Latest release for Moodle 4.1
  • Latest release for Moodle 4.2
  • Latest release for Moodle 4.3
  • Latest release for Moodle 4.4
  • Latest release for Moodle 4.5

Version control information

Version control system (VCS)
GIT
VCS repository URL

Default installation instructions for plugins of the type Blocks

  1. Make sure you have all the required versions.
  2. Download and unpack the block folder.
  3. Place the folder (eg "myblock") in the "blocks" subdirectory.
  4. Visit http://yoursite.com/admin to complete the installation
  5. Turn editing on in any home or course page.
  6. Add the block to the page
  7. Visit the config link in the block for more options.