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Word can be defined as a meaningful group of letters printed or written horizontally across a piece of paper. As defined in terms of spoken language，a word is viewed as a sound or combination of sounds，which are made voluntarily with human vocal equipment. According to semanticists，a word is a unit of meaning. According to grammarians，a word is a free form that can function in a sentence. To sum up，the definition of a word will cover the following points：
（a）a minimal free form of a language
（b）a sound unity
（c）a unit of meaning
（d）a form that can function alone in a sentence
Map and money are simple words while revolution and blackmail are complicated words. No matter what words are，all must comply with these criteria above（张维友，2004：2）.