used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
in the past
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
(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 We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
awfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːfəl/
exceptionally bad or displeasing
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
beingsnounUS /ˈbiːɪŋz/
plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
brought into existence
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
bredverbUS /bred/
inflected form of “breed” — call forth
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
clingverbUS /klɪŋ/
come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
condemnedverbUS /kənˈdemd/
past form of “condemn” — express strong disapproval of
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
cultivatedadjectiveUS /ˈkʌltəveɪtɪd/
(of land or fields) prepared for raising crops by plowing or fertilizing
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
developedadjectiveUS /dɪˈveləpt/
being changed over time so as to be e.g. stronger or more complete or more useful
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
electricitynounUS /ɪˌlekˈtrɪsəti/
a physical phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons and protons
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
glensnounUS /ɡlenz/
plural of “glen” — a narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
ten 10s
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
inventedverbUS /ˌɪnˈventəd/
past form of “invent” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
leaguenounUS /liːɡ/
an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
mermaidsnounUS /ˈmɜːrmeɪdz/
plural of “mermaid” — half woman and half fish; lives in the sea
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
MERMANnounUS /ˈmɜːrmæn/
United States singer who appeared in several musical comedies (1909-1984)
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE MERMAN.
mermen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
mistyadjectiveUS /ˈmɪsti/
filled or abounding with fog or mist
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
mostlyadverbUS /ˈmoʊstli/
in large part; mainly or chiefly
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE MERMAN.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
nowadaysnounUS /ˈnaʊədeɪz/
the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE MERMAN.
many times at short intervals
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
by chance
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
settlesnounUS /ˈsetəlz/
plural of “settle” — a long wooden bench with a back
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
stakenounUS /steɪk/
(law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
superstitionnounUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃən/
an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
telegraphnounUS /ˈteləɡræf/
apparatus used to communicate at a distance over a wire (usually in Morse code)
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
telephonenounUS /ˈteləfoʊn/
electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
express in words
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE MERMAN.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
unknowableadjectiveUS /ənˈnoʊəbəl/
not knowable
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
not known
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We have all of us heard tell of or read about mermaids and mermen, but few perhaps of the cultivated believe in such beings nowadays.
weirdadjectiveUS /wɪrd/
suggesting the operation of supernatural influences
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading People in the far north of Scotland, especially those born and bred among the wild, weird mountains and glens, and the misty and awful gloom that often settles over these for days, are different.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
wondersnounUS /ˈwʌndərz/
plural of “wonder” — the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading It is around the unknown and the unknowable in this world that terror and superstition mostly cling.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
a late time of life
From this reading Had any one invented the telegraph, the telephone, or any other of the wonders developed by a proper knowledge of the powers of electricity, three hundred years ago, ten to one that individual would have been condemned to the stake as being in league with the Evil One.
