used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As a matter of fact, Scotland Yard stands for the finest police organization in the world.
abnormaladjectiveUS /æbˈnɔːrməl/
not normal; not typical or usual or regular or conforming to a norm
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
amateurnounUS /ˈæmətɜːr/
someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Scotland Yard is patiently slow and terribly sure.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE GREAT ATTEMPT There are supercilious critics who sneer at Scotland Yard.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As a matter of fact, Scotland Yard stands for the finest police organization in the world.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE GREAT ATTEMPT There are supercilious critics who sneer at Scotland Yard.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading THE GREAT ATTEMPT There are supercilious critics who sneer at Scotland Yard.
bafflednounUS /ˈbæfəld/
people who are frustrated and perplexed
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
BaileynounUS /ˈbeɪli/
United States singer (1918-1990)
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
blundersnounUS /ˈblʌndərz/
plural of “blunder” — an embarrassing mistake
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
assets available for use in the production of further assets
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
a period of 100 years
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
consummateverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəmət/
fulfill sexually
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
criticsnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪks/
plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading THE GREAT ATTEMPT There are supercilious critics who sneer at Scotland Yard.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
detectivesnounUS /dɪˈtektɪvz/
plural of “detective” — a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
docknounUS /dɑːk/
an enclosure in a court of law where the defendant sits during the trial
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
move gently or carefully
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
having escaped, especially from confinement
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
at any time
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading As a matter of fact, Scotland Yard stands for the finest police organization in the world.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
finestadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəst/
superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading As a matter of fact, Scotland Yard stands for the finest police organization in the world.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
gliblyadverbUS /ˈɡlɪbli/
with superficial plausibility
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading THE GREAT ATTEMPT There are supercilious critics who sneer at Scotland Yard.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As a matter of fact, Scotland Yard stands for the finest police organization in the world.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Scotland Yard is patiently slow and terribly sure.
immediately past
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading As a matter of fact, Scotland Yard stands for the finest police organization in the world.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
mysteriesnounUS /ˈmɪstəriz/
plural of “mystery” — something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
and nothing more
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
organizationnounUS /ˌɔːrɡənəˈzeɪʃən/
a group of people who work together
From this reading As a matter of fact, Scotland Yard stands for the finest police organization in the world.
patientlyadverbUS /ˈpeɪʃəntli/
with patience; in a patient manner
From this reading Scotland Yard is patiently slow and terribly sure.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
perspicuitynoun
clarity as a consequence of being perspicuous
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
one of four equal parts
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
To recall to mind.
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts
From this reading THE GREAT ATTEMPT There are supercilious critics who sneer at Scotland Yard.
a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading Scotland Yard is patiently slow and terribly sure.
sneerverbUS /snɪr/
express through a scornful smile
From this reading THE GREAT ATTEMPT There are supercilious critics who sneer at Scotland Yard.
express in speech
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
plural of “stand” — a support or foundation
From this reading As a matter of fact, Scotland Yard stands for the finest police organization in the world.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
superciliousadjectiveUS /ˌsuːpərˈsɪliəs/
having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
From this reading THE GREAT ATTEMPT There are supercilious critics who sneer at Scotland Yard.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Scotland Yard is patiently slow and terribly sure.
terriblyadverbUS /ˈterəbli/
used as intensifiers
From this reading Scotland Yard is patiently slow and terribly sure.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE GREAT ATTEMPT There are supercilious critics who sneer at Scotland Yard.
in or at that place or location
From this reading THE GREAT ATTEMPT There are supercilious critics who sneer at Scotland Yard.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading People who speak glibly of “police blunders” might remember one curious fact: in this last quarter of a century only one man has ever stood in the dock at the Old Bailey under the capital charge who has escaped the dread sentence of the law.
unofficialadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈfɪʃəl/
not having official authority or sanction
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
unravelingverbUS /ənˈrævəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “unravel” — become or cause to become undone by separating the fibers or threads of
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
wherein
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
which person or people
From this reading THE GREAT ATTEMPT There are supercilious critics who sneer at Scotland Yard.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading As a matter of fact, Scotland Yard stands for the finest police organization in the world.
writersnounUS /ˈraɪtərz/
plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading THE GREAT ATTEMPT There are supercilious critics who sneer at Scotland Yard.
a late time of life
From this reading They are quite unofficial critics, of course, writers of stories wherein figure amateur detectives of abnormal perspicuity, unraveling mysteries with consummate ease which have baffled the police for years.
