The architecture of a dictionary can be explained by the sign model:

- the four parts of a dictionary:

-MEGAstructure:                  Front matter, cover
                                               Abbreviation ( ''n'' for noun )
                                               Mini-Grammar ( brief grammar explanation ) 
                                               Backmatter
                                               Body
                                               IPA pronunciation                                        

-MACROstructure:              Organisation ( semasiological, onomasiological )
                                               Three main components:      
                                                                                                     - list
                                                                                                     - tree
                                                                                                     - network

-MESOstructure                  Cross references/links to Megastructure

-MICROstructure                  Organisation of the actual lexical entry
                                               word/term, spelling/morphology, IPA, POS, gender, 
                                               definition
 



- Example: word of the week: merkin

Pronunciation: -ɜː(r)kɪn    → microstructure

noun
merkin (merkins)

1. A 17th century term for a pubic wig. Worn for nude stage appearances and by women after shaving their privates to eliminate lice.
2. (Verification for this usage is being sought)⁺: A slang term for Americans, generally considered offensive.

(http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Merkin)