etymology dictionary

[thedaffodils]

Hi,

I looked up some words via online etymology dictionary, but sometimes it will have some irrelevant words or entries apprear meanwhile.

For example, I was looking up plethora. The first one is relevant, but the second is spinach, which is irrevant.
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=PLETHORA&searchmode=none

Could you possibly explain why?

Thank you!

 

[MikeNewYork]

It is because "plethora" was used in the entry for "spinach". Nothing more.

 

[thedaffodils]

I don't understand what you said.

Is it plethora a definition for spinarch?

How is plethora associated with spinarch?

Thank you!

 

[MikeNewYork]

Did you read the entry for "spinach"?

 

[JMurray]

not a teacher

There is no suggestion of an etymological link between the words "plethora" and "spinach". As MikeNY says, the entry for "spinach" is included only because the word "plethora" occurs in the entry, in the phrase "a plethora of Romanic forms".
If you try some other words you will see how the search function for this dictionary works. For example, if you search "abundance" you will find several words relating to the meaning of "abundance", but you will also find "Cape Cod", only because the entry includes the phrase "the abundance of fish".

 

[SoothingDave]

With a plethora of spinach, does it also cross-reference Popeye?

 

[emsr2d2]

I currently have a plethora of spinach. Perhaps I should write an online dictionary.

 

[JMurray]

not a teacher

I currently have a plethora of spinach.

http://www.rosybluhandmade.com/2013/07/05/oops-i-have-too-much-spinach/

Always happy to help.