The Dictionary is a collection of accepted Orth words and simple phrases coupled with their definition. The Dictionary is reviewed and edited once every thousand years convox held during the millennial Apert.
The standard imposed by the Dictionary is necessary due to the isolation of the various orders. If saecular terminology were allowed unchecked, the unarian orders may be unable to communicate with the millenarians at the next millennial apert.
In Neal Stephensons' book Anathem, many chapters are prefaced with a quotation from the Dictionary.