Filibuster, refugee, and tsunami were among the publisher's 10 most frequently looked-up words on its website.
Topping the list is a word that may give insight into the country's concern about its values: integrity.
The noun, defined as "firm adherence to a code" and "incorruptibility," has always been popular on the company's website, said president John Morse. But in 2005, the meaning of integrity seemed to be of extraordinary concern. About 200,000 people sought its definition.
"I think the American people have isolated a very important issue for our society to be dealing with," Morse said. "The entire list gives us an interesting window that opens up into what people are thinking about in their lives."
Ralph Whitehead, a professor at the University of Massachusetts, said it may indicate the continuing discussion about American values and morality, or perhaps that integrity is becoming scarce, so its definition is unfamiliar.
Source: CNN.com (12 October 2005)
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