Concision — and the online dictionary that best defines it

As you may have noticed, from time to time I link to an online dictionary definition of a word or phrase.

The choices are myriad.

Over the years I've come to the conclusion that dictionary.com offers the best combination of presentation; lack of annoying extras like pop-up ads, flashing banners and audible messages; accurate definitions; speed; and overall ease of use, especially the instantly obvious, capacious search box up top.

I figure if I find a site annoying then you will too — and it's my job, not yours, to make sure you're in the best possible spirits at all times when you're here.

To give you a more focused look at the difference in user experience with online dictionaries, I've ranked five of them — Dictionary.com coming first and allwords.com last — using the word "concision."

1. The winner: no pop-ups, nothing moves, silent

2. Runner-up: small flashing ad

3. Flashing ad; confusing

4. Makes you do a lot of work to find the word

5. Pop-up; doesn't even define the word