The word "catalog" is spelled with a "c" instead of a "k," unlike its British English counterpart "catalogue." The pronunciation is [ˈkætəlɔːɡ] in British English, with the emphasis on the second syllable. In American English, the stress is on the first syllable, [ˈkætəˌlɔɡ]. This word comes from the Greek word "katalogos," which means "a list, register, or schedule." The spelling "catalog" is a result of American English spelling reforms in the early 19th century.
A catalog is a thorough inventory or systematic listing of various items, objects, or information that are organized in a logical order or arrangement. Typically compiled in a written or electronic format, a catalog serves as a comprehensive reference tool for easy access to specific details or descriptions.
In the context of products, a catalog can be a printed or online publication that showcases a company's merchandise, presenting them in an organized manner along with relevant information such as product codes, specifications, and pricing. It allows customers to browse through the assortment of offerings, aiding in making purchasing decisions.
Furthermore, a catalog can also refer to libraries or museums, where it functions as a systematic listing of their collections. In such cases, the catalog provides essential information, such as titles, authors, artists, or dates, assisting users in locating specific resources or artifacts.
Beyond physical assets, a catalog can encompass databases or directories that amalgamate information on various topics or subjects. They are essential tools for research, educational institutions, or reference purposes, helping users locate specific data or resources efficiently.
The core purpose of a catalog revolves around organization and accessibility. By providing a structured and comprehensive compilation of items or information, it assists users in quickly finding specific details, thus saving time and enhancing productivity.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "catalog" originated from the Greek word "katalogos", which was a compound formed from "kata" meaning "down" and "legein" meaning "to gather" or "to pick out". In ancient Greece, a "katalogos" referred to a list or register prepared by consuls or other officials, often containing names of citizens or specific items. This eventually evolved into the Latin term "catalogus" and later made its way into English as "catalog" in the 15th century.