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Wiki Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wiki

[ˈwɪki ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

online resource

A 'wiki' is a collaborative website that allows users to create, edit, and share content easily. The term is derived from the Hawaiian word 'wiki', meaning 'quick', highlighting the platform's ability to facilitate swift changes and updates. Wikis are commonly used for information sharing, collaborative projects, and documentation. The most famous example is Wikipedia, which contains millions of articles written by volunteers from around the world.

Synonyms

collaborative platform, knowledge base, online encyclopedia.

Examples of usage

  • I found the information I needed on the wiki.
  • Many students contribute to the course wiki.
  • The wiki contains useful resources for research.
  • You can edit the wiki page to improve it.
  • He created a wiki for the project team.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Wikis use a system called 'wiki software' to allow users to create and edit pages without needing programming skills.
  • The most famous example of a wiki is Wikipedia, launched in 2001, which allows anyone to contribute and edit articles.

Education

  • Wikis provide a collaborative learning environment where students can work together on projects and assignments.
  • They are often used in classrooms to encourage participation and improve research skills among students.

Pop Culture

  • Wikis have influenced pop culture by making fan-created content easily accessible, leading to online communities centered around shows and games.
  • They are featured in popular media like TV shows, where characters use wikis to solve mysteries or gather information.

Psychology

  • The collaborative aspect of wikis can foster a sense of community and belonging among users as they contribute to a common goal.
  • Research has shown that engaging with wikis improves critical thinking skills by encouraging users to analyze and synthesize information.

Origin of 'wiki'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Hawaiian word 'wiki', meaning 'quick', reflecting the speed of information sharing.
  • The first wiki was created in 1995 by Ward Cunningham, aimed at allowing collaborative content creation.

The word 'wiki' was first coined by Ward Cunningham in 1995, who developed the concept of 'wiki' as a web-based platform to enable users to easily contribute and edit content. Cunningham created the first wiki called 'WikiWikiWeb', which allowed users to write and share articles collaboratively without needing technical skills. The term comes from the Hawaiian word 'wiki', which translates to 'quick' or 'fast'. This reflects the ease and speed with which content can be created and modified on such platforms. Over the years, wikis have become popular for various applications, including educational resources, community documentation, and collaborative knowledge sharing, exemplified by platforms like Wikipedia, which has vastly expanded the concept of wikis to the public at large.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,335, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.