used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
andirons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
ashesnounUS /ˈæʃ.ɪz/
The powdery residue left after the burning of a substance.
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
BALKEDverbUS /bɔːkt/
past form of “balk” — refuse to comply
From this reading NICK IS BALKED.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
terminate
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
Carter'snounUS /ˈkɑːrtərz/
possessive form of “carter” — Englishman and Egyptologist who in 1922 discovered and excavated the tomb of Tutankhamen (1873-1939)
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Involuntarily Nick released his hold on the bottle, and it fell to the floor.
fireplacenounUS /ˈfaɪərpleɪs/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Involuntarily Nick released his hold on the bottle, and it fell to the floor.
Follansbee
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Involuntarily Nick released his hold on the bottle, and it fell to the floor.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
inknounUS /ɪŋk/
a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
InvoluntarilyadverbUS /ˌɪnvoʊˈlʌntərɪli/
against your will
From this reading Involuntarily Nick released his hold on the bottle, and it fell to the floor.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading NICK IS BALKED.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
kickverbUS /kɪk/
drive or propel with the foot
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
loweredadjectiveUS /ˈloʊərd/
below the surround or below the normal position
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
mixingnounUS /ˈmɪksɪŋ/
the act of mixing together
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
NICKverbUS /nɪk/
cut slightly, with a razor
From this reading NICK IS BALKED.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
under a moral obligation to do something
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Involuntarily Nick released his hold on the bottle, and it fell to the floor.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
physician'snounUS /fəˈzɪʃənz/
possessive form of “physician” — a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
rascalnounUS /ˈræskəl/
a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
on the contrary
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
reeledverbUS /riːld/
past form of “reel” — walk as if unable to control one's movements
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
releasedverbUS /riˈliːst/
past form of “release” — release, as from one's grip
From this reading Involuntarily Nick released his hold on the bottle, and it fell to the floor.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
shatteredadjectiveUS /ˈʃætərd/
ruined or disrupted
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
a cunning or deceitful action or device
From this reading It was the trick of an animal rather than of a human being, and it took the detective completely by surprise.
unexpectedlyadverbUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪdli/
in a way that was not expected
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
in or at the place that
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading One of the little physician’s hands shot out and caught at the ink bottle which the detective was about to pocket, and as they reeled across the room together, the rascal lowered his head unexpectedly and set his sharp teeth into Nick Carter’s hand.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The fall did not break it, however, and Follansbee was obliged to kick it into the fireplace, where it struck against one of the massive andirons and was shattered, its contents mixing with the ashes.
