AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
absorbedadjectiveUS /əbˈzɔːrbd/
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
AgesnounUS /ˈeɪdʒəz/
plural of “age” — how long something has existed
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 He was as long as a railway-train, and had the customary impenetrable green scales all over him.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
boreverbUS /bɔːr/
cause to be bored
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
calledverbUS /kɔːld/
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
captainnounUS /ˈkæptən/
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
clothedadjectiveUS /kloʊðd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
consistedverbUS /kənˈsɪstəd/
past form of “consist” — originate
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
conversationnounUS /ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
couplenounUS /ˈkʌpəl/
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
crumblingverbUS /ˈkrʌmbəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “crumble” — fall apart
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
customaryadjectiveUS /ˈkʌstəmeri/
in accordance with convention or custom
From this reading He was as long as a railway-train, and had the customary impenetrable green scales all over him.
dealverbUS /diːl/
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
dragonnounUS /ˈdræɡən/
a creature of Teutonic mythology; usually represented as breathing fire and having a reptilian body and sometimes wings
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
Eberbach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
facesnounUS /ˈfeɪsəz/
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
fire-breathing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
foliagenounUS /ˈfoʊlɪdʒ/
the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
foreheadsnounUS /ˈfɔːrhedz/
plural of “forehead” — the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
forwardadverbUS /ˈfɔːrwərd/
at or to or toward the front
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
GermansnounUS /ˈdʒɜːrmənz/
plural of “german” — a person of German nationality
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
greennounUS /ɡriːn/
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading He was as long as a railway-train, and had the customary impenetrable green scales all over him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
hillnounUS /hɪl/
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was as long as a railway-train, and had the customary impenetrable green scales all over him.
historynounUS /ˈhɪstəri/
the aggregate of past events
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
impenetrableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpenətrəbəl/
not admitting of penetration or passage into or through
From this reading He was as long as a railway-train, and had the customary impenetrable green scales all over him.
imposingadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/
impressive in appearance
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
leanedverbUS /liːnd/
past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
LEGENDnounUS /ˈledʒənd/
a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
liveverbUS /laɪv/
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading He was as long as a railway-train, and had the customary impenetrable green scales all over him.
lookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
masonrynounUS /ˈmeɪsənri/
structure built of stone or brick by a mason
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
massesnounUS /ˈmæsəz/
the common people generally
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
merelyadverbUS /ˈmɪrli/
and nothing more
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
MiddlenounUS /ˈmɪdəl/
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
milenounUS /maɪl/
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
mostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He was as long as a railway-train, and had the customary impenetrable green scales all over him.
peaknounUS /piːk/
the most extreme possible amount or value
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
peculiaradjectiveUS /pəˈkjuːljər/
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
picturesqueadjectiveUS /ˈpɪktʃərəsk/
suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
prodigiousadjectiveUS /prəˈdɪdʒəs/
so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
projectingadjectiveUS /prəˈdʒektɪŋ/
extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
raftnounUS /ræft/
a flat float (usually made of logs or planks) that can be used for transport or as a platform for swimmers
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
railway-train
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was as long as a railway-train, and had the customary impenetrable green scales all over him.
regionnounUS /ˈriːdʒən/
the extended spatial location of something
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
resemblancenounUS /rɪˈzembləns/
similarity in appearance or external or superficial details
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
rudeadjectiveUS /ruːd/
socially incorrect in behavior
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
ruinnounUS /ˈruːən/
an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
saidadjectiveUS /sed/
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
sawverbUS /sɔː/
cut with a saw
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
scalesnounUS /skeɪlz/
plural of “scale” — an ordered reference standard
From this reading He was as long as a railway-train, and had the customary impenetrable green scales all over him.
SpectaclesnounUS /ˈspektəkəlz/
(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
SpectacularadjectiveUS /spekˈtækjələr/
sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
steepadjectiveUS /stiːp/
having a sharp inclination
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
stickverbUS /stɪk/
put, fix, force, or implant
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
tax-collector
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
touchedadjectiveUS /tʌtʃt/
having come into contact
From this reading This ruin consisted of merely a couple of crumbling masses of masonry which bore a rude resemblance to human faces; they leaned forward and touched foreheads, and had the look of being absorbed in conversation.
troublenounUS /ˈtrʌbəl/
a source of difficulty
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
usedadjectiveUS /juːzd/
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
WearverbUS /wer/
be dressed in
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading LEGEND OF THE "SPECTACULAR RUIN" The captain of the raft, who was as full of history as he could stick, said that in the Middle Ages a most prodigious fire-breathing dragon used to live in that region, and made more trouble than a tax-collector.
WhynounUS /waɪ/
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading [Why Germans Wear Spectacles] A mile or two above Eberbach we saw a peculiar ruin projecting above the foliage which clothed the peak of a high and very steep hill.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading This ruin had nothing very imposing or picturesque about it, and there was no great deal of it, yet it was called the "Spectacular Ruin."
