used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading The head nurse was thus always at hand in case she wanted her, but otherwise Jeannie had to manage her patients alone.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The head nurse was thus always at hand in case she wanted her, but otherwise Jeannie had to manage her patients alone.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading It was a constant matter of anxiety to Jeannie as to whether she ought or ought not to summon the other.
aptitudenounUS /ˈæptətuːd/
inherent ability
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The head nurse was thus always at hand in case she wanted her, but otherwise Jeannie had to manage her patients alone.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The head nurse was thus always at hand in case she wanted her, but otherwise Jeannie had to manage her patients alone.
exercising caution or showing care or attention
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
an occurrence of something
From this reading The head nurse was thus always at hand in case she wanted her, but otherwise Jeannie had to manage her patients alone.
plural of “case” — an occurrence of something
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
unvarying in nature
From this reading It was a constant matter of anxiety to Jeannie as to whether she ought or ought not to summon the other.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
a person who is older than you are
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
epidemicnounUS /ˌepəˈdemɪk/
a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease; many people are infected at the same time
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
at any time
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
Fortescue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The head nurse was thus always at hand in case she wanted her, but otherwise Jeannie had to manage her patients alone.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The head nurse was thus always at hand in case she wanted her, but otherwise Jeannie had to manage her patients alone.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
inspectionnounUS /ˌɪnˈspekʃən/
a formal or official examination
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a constant matter of anxiety to Jeannie as to whether she ought or ought not to summon the other.
a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
Jeannie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
large or big relative to something else
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading The head nurse was thus always at hand in case she wanted her, but otherwise Jeannie had to manage her patients alone.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading It was a constant matter of anxiety to Jeannie as to whether she ought or ought not to summon the other.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was a constant matter of anxiety to Jeannie as to whether she ought or ought not to summon the other.
try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was a constant matter of anxiety to Jeannie as to whether she ought or ought not to summon the other.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading It was a constant matter of anxiety to Jeannie as to whether she ought or ought not to summon the other.
in other respects or ways
From this reading The head nurse was thus always at hand in case she wanted her, but otherwise Jeannie had to manage her patients alone.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading It was a constant matter of anxiety to Jeannie as to whether she ought or ought not to summon the other.
patient'snounUS /ˈpeɪʃənts/
possessive form of “patient” — a person who requires medical care
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
patientsnounUS /ˈpeɪʃənts/
plural of “patient” — a person who requires medical care
From this reading The head nurse was thus always at hand in case she wanted her, but otherwise Jeannie had to manage her patients alone.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
move upward
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
small or little relative to something else
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
in the near future
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
summonverbUS /ˈsʌmən/
call in an official matter, such as to attend court
From this reading It was a constant matter of anxiety to Jeannie as to whether she ought or ought not to summon the other.
temperaturenounUS /ˈtemprətʃər/
the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading The head nurse was thus always at hand in case she wanted her, but otherwise Jeannie had to manage her patients alone.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
untiringadjective
characterized by hard work and perseverance
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading The head nurse was thus always at hand in case she wanted her, but otherwise Jeannie had to manage her patients alone.
wardnounUS /wɔːrd/
a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The weeks that followed were the most terrible and most wearing that Jeannie had ever known.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading It was a constant matter of anxiety to Jeannie as to whether she ought or ought not to summon the other.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading At first the slightest rise in a patient’s temperature seemed to her enough grounds on which to ask the inspection of the elder woman, for she had been told she could not be too careful.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading During the first day or two she showed a real aptitude for her work; she was gentle, firm, and untiring, and as the epidemic increased Miss Fortescue was soon moved to help in a larger ward, and a dozen cases in a smaller ward, off the one under Nurse James, were put under Jeannie.
