A compilation of hundreds of word stories and histories that have appeared in CALLIOPE magazine during the last 15 years. Each word or phrase that we use today had a beginning - and a story behind it. In fact, many current words date back to ancient times. Some words keep the same meaning from Day One. Other words, however, travel through time and evolve - taking on new characteristics, new meanings, and fascinating tales of people, places, and times long ago. In a Word contains more than 500 word origins written in a witty, short-story style. Many of the words are accompanied by "fun facts," which provide details to a word's history and usage. Humorous illustrations by artist Tom Lopes showcase many of the words' visual connections.