This doesn't sound like a function of Firefox, possibly malware or an add-on. Try the following:

• Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings
• Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware

If you enter the my question in google you can find forums with people having the same issue with Firefox. I think Firefox added this feature without a way to turn it off. Have you tried highlighting a word from a web page? It's not malware--it is a Firefox problem. I was hoping someone from Firefox would read this and discover this little annoying feature is a Pain in the....

I am from Mozilla, and we did not add such a feature, which is why I said that you likely have an addon or malware that added it (the people you found in your search likely had the same). Did you try the steps I suggested?

If you aren't sure it's an extension, why not take few minutes to test in Firefox's Safe Mode? That's a standard diagnostic tool to deactivate extensions and some advanced features of Firefox. More info: Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode.

If Firefox is not running: Hold down the Shift key when starting Firefox.

If Firefox is running: You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using either:

• "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
• Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

and OK the restart.

Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

Any improvement?

Also, for the record, I'm attaching a screen shot of some text I highlighted in this thread...

Also, to help with further research, you could paste your extension list into a reply. The easiest way to get that list is to use the support information page, which you can open using either:

• "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Troubleshooting Information
• (menu bar) Help > Troubleshooting Information
• type or paste about:support in the address bar and press Enter

Scroll down a bit to the Extensions heading, then select the whole table below it with your mouse and copy (e.g., right-click > Copy or Ctrl+c), then paste into a reply here. It's a bit messy but we're used to it.

It must of been a function of an add-on. I shut most of them down and the annoying little yellow box with the magnifying glass disappeared. Sorry for blaming Firefox. I can't image why any of the add-ons I use would have this function. Anyway, thanks again!