“Anime” Added to the Dictionary

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has officially acknowledged the word “anime,” with the entry:

Main Entry: an·i·me
Pronunciation: ‘a-n&-“mA, ‘ä-nE-
Function: noun
Etymology: Japanese, animation, short for animEshiyon, from English
Date: 1988
: a style of animation originating in Japan that is characterized by stark colorful graphics depicting vibrant characters in action-filled plots often with fantastic or futuristic themes

This entry potentially standardizes a number of facts:

1) The word “anime” is not capitalized.
2) The word “anime” originates in English, not French, as some fans believe.

However, the new dictionary entry does not clearly address or distinguish between animation created in Japan and animation created in emulation of Japanese artistic style.

Source: Anime News Service