If Google was listed in the dictionary, its original entry might look something like this: Google, gü-gòl, 1. n a Web search engine. 2. n a search engine development firm rich in PhDs and “big thinkers.” 3. v to retrieve Web information about an individual, business or subject (e.g., “I googled Steve Simpson today.”)

But, Google has moved well beyond the search engine. In fact, the company has opened its doors to Internet visitors, allowing them to look inside Google Labs, the incubator for a variety of tools and services. Here are a few of my favorite things built into Google or that have graduated from Google Labs.

Go Figure

Ever need to know how many miles are equal to 36 kilometers? Or what 12 tablespoons equals in cups? Google has included a conversion tool right in its search engine. Go to Google (http://www.google.com) and type in the following in the search line: “36 kilometers in miles” or “12 tbsp in cups”. Click on the Google Search button or press Enter, and viola, your answer appears. If Google can make sense of your two comparisons (kilometers in miles, tablespoons in cups) and you separate them with the word “in”, it will calculate the conversion for you. It works for constant measurements, like size and capacity. It doesn’t fare well for currency exchange rates.

Google also features definitions within its search engine. Enter “define:” before any word or words, and Google will display a collection of definitions from various Web sites. This feature works particularly well with technical terms. Try “define: WiFi” for a little practice.

You can even get Google on your phone. Their Google SMS allows you to send a term to Google by text messaging (also called SMS for...well you can look it up on Google) to 46645 (which is “GOOGL” on your keypad). Wait a bit and back come your results. In my sole test, it took a long time to get my results.

Google Owns Earth?

Google added mapping to their toolset last year (http://maps.google.com) to locate addresses and get driving directions. Google Maps added the ability to view satellite images along with traditional street maps. Type in your street address and check out the view from space.

Google Earth takes mapping to a whole new dimension or three. Google Earth, formerly from Keyhole, is a program that runs on your PC and pulls satellite and map info from the Internet (download it at http://earth.google.com). It starts with a space view of earth. Type in a location, address or city, and Google Earth starts zooming into a satellite view of that location. You can then zoom, rotate or tilt your view in 3D. Tilting changes your perspective or altitude. Terrain data lets mountains and other features come alive in three dimensions. You can “fly” through the Grand Canyon or explore Yosemite. I used it to retrace a recent drive on Trail Ridge Road, the high-altitude drive through Rocky Mountain National Park. I also found it fun to go to Google Search and type in a location followed by “Google Earth”. The resulting hits often have links that launch directly into Google Earth. Try entering “Eiffel Tower Google Earth”. As you might imagine, Google Earth scavenger hunts are starting to pop up.

So, now the definition of Google should include “world tour guide” or “owner of Earth”. Of course, you could always try “define: Google”.