VOA慢速英语:Why Do Americans Color But the British Colour? Thank Noah Webster

standard – adj. regularly and widely used, seen, or accepted; not unusual or special

pure – adj. not mixed with anything else

syllable – n. any one of the parts into which a word is naturally divided when it is pronounced

variations – n. something that is similar to something else but different in some way

stupendous – adj. so large or great that it amazes you

version – n. a form of something (such as a product) that is different in some way from other forms

skunk – n. a small black-and-white North American animal that produces a very strong and unpleasant smell when it is frightened or in danger

aboriginals – n.  the original people to live in an area

exalt – v. to raise (someone or something) to a higher level

In the quiz to the left, we have a fun spelling test for you. See if you can guess the correct spellings from Noah Webster's day.

Now it's your turn. What are some American words and spellings that have surprised you? Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page.