AlphabetnounUS /ˈælfəbet/
a character set that includes letters and is used to write a language
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
Ayrton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading "He will come back," said Cyrus Harding.
BatterynounUS /ˈbætəri/
group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
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 What! wasn't it Ayrton who threw that bottle into the sea?
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading "Come now, captain," exclaimed Pencroft, "what does that mean?
ColonynounUS /ˈkɑːləni/
a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading "He will come back," said Cyrus Harding.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
CyrusnounUS /ˈsaɪrəs/
Persian prince who was defeated in battle by his brother Artaxerxes II (424-401 BC)
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
disappearverbUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɪr/
get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Come now, captain," exclaimed Pencroft, "what does that mean?
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
ElectricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
Engineer'snounUS /ˌendʒəˈniːrz/
possessive form of “engineer” — a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading "Come now, captain," exclaimed Pencroft, "what does that mean?
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
Gideon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
HardingnounUS /ˈhɑːrdɪŋ/
29th President of the United States; two of his appointees were involved in the Teapot Dome scandal (1865-1823)
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "He will come back," said Cyrus Harding.
HerbertnounUS /ˈhɜːrbərt/
United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading What! wasn't it Ayrton who threw that bottle into the sea?
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading What! wasn't it Ayrton who threw that bottle into the sea?
raise from a lower to a higher position
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
LincolnnounUS /ˈlɪŋkən/
16th President of the United States; saved the Union during the American Civil War and emancipated the slaves; was assassinated by Booth (1809-1865)
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading "Come now, captain," exclaimed Pencroft, "what does that mean?
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "Come now, captain," exclaimed Pencroft, "what does that mean?
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
Pencroft
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Come now, captain," exclaimed Pencroft, "what does that mean?
PhotographynounUS /fəˈtɑːɡrəfi/
the act of taking and printing photographs
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
ProsperitynounUS /prɑːˈsperəti/
an economic state of growth with rising profits and full employment
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
a strong line
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
done under pressure
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading What! wasn't it Ayrton who threw that bottle into the sea?
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
slidenounUS /slaɪd/
a small flat rectangular piece of glass on which specimens can be mounted for microscopic study
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
Spilett
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
TelegraphnounUS /ˈteləɡræf/
apparatus used to communicate at a distance over a wire (usually in Morse code)
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Come now, captain," exclaimed Pencroft, "what does that mean?
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading What! wasn't it Ayrton who threw that bottle into the sea?
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
wasn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What! wasn't it Ayrton who threw that bottle into the sea?
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "Come now, captain," exclaimed Pencroft, "what does that mean?
which person or people
From this reading "Poor man!" said Herbert, who had rushed to the door, but returned, having seen Ayrton slide down the rope of the lift and disappear in the darkness.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "He will come back," said Cyrus Harding.
WiresnounUS /ˈwaɪərz/
plural of “wire” — ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
a late time of life
From this reading Conversation -- Cyrus Harding and Gideon Spilett -- An Idea of the Engineer's -- The Electric Telegraph -- The Wires -- The Battery -- The Alphabet -- Fine Season -- Prosperity of the Colony -- Photography -- An Appearance of Snow -- Two Years in Lincoln Island.
