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define_word

Fetch dictionary entries for English words: definitions, parts of speech, and example sentences. Provides structured JSON output for AI agents.

Instructions

Look up an English word and return its dictionary entry: definitions, part(s) of speech, and example sentences.

Fetches from an online dictionary data source, so a network connection is required. Read-only with no side effects. If the word is not found (misspelled or not in the dictionary), returns an empty result or a not-found response rather than raising.

Returns a structured entry for the word, typically containing the word itself, one or more part-of-speech groupings, and for each a list of definitions with optional example sentences.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
wordYesThe English word to define, as a string. Example: "serendipity". No default (required). Single words only; not phrases or non-English terms.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
dataNo
countNo
errorsNo
scraperNo
source_urlsNo
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It explicitly states network requirements, read-only semantics with no side effects, and not-found behavior (returns empty/not-found rather than raising). Additionally, it outlines the return structure, providing comprehensive transparency for a simple tool.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise and well-structured: the first sentence states the core purpose, followed by a second paragraph adding essential behavioral context (network, read-only, error handling) and a third describing the return format. Every sentence earns its place without unnecessary verbosity.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's low complexity (one parameter) and the presence of an output schema, the description is complete. It covers the tool's network dependency, safety profile, error behavior, and output structure. This is sufficient for an agent to select and invoke the tool correctly without ambiguity.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has 100% coverage for the single parameter 'word', with a detailed description including examples and constraints. The main description does not add additional parameter meaning, but the baseline is 3 due to high schema coverage, and the description does not contradict or fail to compensate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's function: 'Look up an English word and return its dictionary entry.' It specifies the resource (English words) and the output (definitions, parts of speech, example sentences), which distinguishes it from sibling tools that focus on scraping or searching other domains.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides clear context for when to use this tool (when needing a dictionary definition) and implicitly differentiates from siblings by focusing on word lookups. It does not explicitly list alternatives or exclusions, but the parameter description adds guidance (single words only, not phrases or non-English terms), which helps usage decisions.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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