Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Paul reached a point of vantage first.

possessive form of “airplane” — an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

(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 RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

a category falling within certain defined limits

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

plural of “control” — power to direct or determine

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

a state of mental disturbance and disorientation

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

lifting device consisting of a platform or cage that is raised and lowered mechanically in a vertical shaft in order to move people from one floor to another in a building

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

apart from; not including

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Paul reached a point of vantage first.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

plural of “fragment” — a piece broken off or cut off of something else

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

the central body of an airplane that is designed to accommodate the crew and passengers (or cargo)

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

superlative of “grave” — dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading One swift look showed him the trouble.

an opening into or through something

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

the striking of one body against another

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading One swift look showed him the trouble.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One swift look showed him the trouble.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

United States feminist (1885-1977)

From this reading Paul reached a point of vantage first.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Paul reached a point of vantage first.

being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Paul reached a point of vantage first.

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

precisely, exactly

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

resembling a sound of violent tearing as of something ripped apart or lightning splitting a tree

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

done under pressure

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

cut with a saw

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading One swift look showed him the trouble.

the display of a motion picture

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

the act of guiding or showing the way

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

moving very fast

From this reading One swift look showed him the trouble.

the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The left elevator had a big hole through it, made by the stone, fragments of silk showing all round the ragged gap.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

a source of difficulty

From this reading One swift look showed him the trouble.

having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

place or situation affording some advantage (especially a comprehensive view or commanding perspective)

From this reading Paul reached a point of vantage first.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc

From this reading But this could not have caused the derangement of the steering controls entirely, and looking for a reason, Paul saw that the impact had caused the wire running to the right elevator to become twisted around a bracket near the end of the fuselage.

in the company of; together with

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading RIDING AN AIRPLANE'S TAIL Filled with the gravest fears for the safety of the Sky-Bird and themselves, all except Bob rushed to the rear windows of the cabin and looked out to see what had caused the ripping noise, and what could be wrong with the tail.