A Google Web Search Help thread has Googler Kelly F. finally replying to dozens of complaints on changes to how the define operator on Google works.

Back in April we reported on a define operator bug but apparently, it was Google making changes to how the operator works.

The thing is, I really do not see what has changed recently. Maybe I am missing the obvious, but all the define commands work as they did for me months ago. Plus the results seem to have no changed for me. The image above matches the format from what I screen captured in July 2010.

Kelly from Google did say they refined it but again, I don’t see how any of this is new. Kelly said:

Update: I am told that when you used the define:word command, it would take you directly to the Google Dictionary, i.e. the “more” link and not the search results page. People really prefer that when they type define:word they are taken to the dictionary page and not search results.

Forum discussion at Google Web Search Help.