used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
using the voice; not silently
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
clutchingverbUS /ˈklʌtʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
a state at a particular time
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
CrawfordnounUS /ˈkrɔːfərd/
United States neoclassical sculptor (1814-1857)
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
doctor'snounUS /ˈdɑːktərz/
possessive form of “doctor” — a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
without doubt; certainly
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
divisible by two
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
opinion or judgment
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
GET-AWAY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MADMAN’S GET-AWAY.
glarenounUS /ɡler/
a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
irresponsibilitynounUS /ˌɪrəspɑːnsəˈbɪləti/
a form of untrustworthiness; the trait of lacking a sense of responsibility and not feeling accountable for your actions
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
jerkyadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɜːrki/
lacking a steady rhythm
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
MADMAN'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MADMAN’S GET-AWAY.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
maniacaladjectiveUS /məˈnaɪəkəl/
wildly disordered
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
maskverbUS /mæsk/
hide under a false appearance
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
partner'snounUS /ˈpɑːrtnərz/
possessive form of “partner” — a person's partner in marriage
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
rascallyadjective
playful in an appealingly bold way
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
senselessadjectiveUS /ˈsensləs/
not marked by the use of reason
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
past form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
Stone'snounUS /stoʊnz/
possessive form of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MADMAN’S GET-AWAY.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
transomnounUS /ˈtrænsəm/
a window above a door that is usually hinged to a horizontal crosspiece over the door
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
having passed out of existence
From this reading Had the detective been in any doubt of the man’s condition, it would have vanished then, and Stone’s irresponsibility was even more evident when he turned away from the bed, and the light from the transom struck his face.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
at the time that
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
wokeverbUS /woʊk/
inflected form of “wake” — be awake, be alert, be there
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
the words that are spoken
From this reading The words were spoken aloud in a thick, jerky voice, and it seemed to be all that Stone could do to keep his clutching hands from his senseless partner’s throat.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Doubtless he remembered the rascally doctor’s promise that Crawford would know nothing about it all when he woke in the morning, and that was probably what stayed his hand.
wrinkledadjectiveUS /ˈrɪŋkəld/
marked by wrinkles
From this reading It was wrinkled into a mask of maniacal triumph, and the glare in the eyes was more like that of a wild animal than of a human being.
