used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
anew
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
(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 They were open to all, and were freely used by old and young—especially the latter.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They were open to all, and were freely used by old and young—especially the latter.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They might be likened to the diving-platforms, with ladders leading up to them, which are to be seen at some bathing-places.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
babiesnounUS /ˈbeɪbiz/
plural of “baby” — a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
bathing-places
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They might be likened to the diving-platforms, with ladders leading up to them, which are to be seen at some bathing-places.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They might be likened to the diving-platforms, with ladders leading up to them, which are to be seen at some bathing-places.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
butterfliesnounUS /ˈbʌtərflaɪz/
plural of “butterfly” — diurnal insect typically having a slender body with knobbed antennae and broad colorful wings
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading They were open to all, and were freely used by old and young—especially the latter.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
climbingnounUS /ˈklaɪmɪŋ/
an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
diving-platforms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They might be likened to the diving-platforms, with ladders leading up to them, which are to be seen at some bathing-places.
erectedverbUS /ɪˈrektəd/
past form of “erect” — construct, build, or erect
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading They were open to all, and were freely used by old and young—especially the latter.
experimentingverbUS /ekˈsperəmentɪŋ/
-ing form of “experiment” — to conduct a test or investigation
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
fliersnounUS /ˈflaɪərz/
plural of “flier” — someone who travels by air
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
flutteringnounUS /ˈflʌtərɪŋ/
the motion made by flapping up and down
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
flying-machines
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
in a free manner
From this reading They were open to all, and were freely used by old and young—especially the latter.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
heightsnounUS /haɪts/
a high place
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
intervalsnounUS /ˈɪntərvəlz/
plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
Ivenia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
jumping-off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
and nothing more
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
laboriouslyadverbUS /ləˈbɔːriəsli/
in a laborious manner
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
laddernounUS /ˈlædər/
steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
laddersnounUS /ˈlædərz/
plural of “ladder” — steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down
From this reading They might be likened to the diving-platforms, with ladders leading up to them, which are to be seen at some bathing-places.
set down according to a plan
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading They were open to all, and were freely used by old and young—especially the latter.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading They might be likened to the diving-platforms, with ladders leading up to them, which are to be seen at some bathing-places.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
likenedverbUS /ˈlaɪkənd/
past form of “liken” — consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous
From this reading They might be likened to the diving-platforms, with ladders leading up to them, which are to be seen at some bathing-places.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading They might be likened to the diving-platforms, with ladders leading up to them, which are to be seen at some bathing-places.
a particular point in time
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
not any; not one
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading They were open to all, and were freely used by old and young—especially the latter.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading They were open to all, and were freely used by old and young—especially the latter.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
a raised horizontal surface
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
platformsnounUS /ˈplætfɔːrmz/
plural of “platform” — a raised horizontal surface
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading They might be likened to the diving-platforms, with ladders leading up to them, which are to be seen at some bathing-places.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
spaciousadjectiveUS /ˈspeɪʃəs/
very large in expanse or scope
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
speciallyadverbUS /ˈspeʃəli/
in a special manner
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They might be likened to the diving-platforms, with ladders leading up to them, which are to be seen at some bathing-places.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They might be likened to the diving-platforms, with ladders leading up to them, which are to be seen at some bathing-places.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
male cat
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
uncommonadjectiveUS /ənˈkɑːmən/
not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind
From this reading It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like so many large butterflies.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
urgentadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrdʒənt/
compelling immediate action
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
the act of using
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading They were open to all, and were freely used by old and young—especially the latter.
communicated in words
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
a message informing of danger
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow platform which had been erected as a ’jumping-off place’ for fliers.
which person or people
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
in the company of; together with
From this reading There were several of these platforms, of various heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the use of those who were learning to fly, or experimenting with small flying-machines.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading They were open to all, and were freely used by old and young—especially the latter.
