Chapter XXIV · Chapter 24

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

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading The tobacco-loving Pendleton afterwards recalled with surprise that not once did he think of the weed.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

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

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

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

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

the two together, not just one

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

providing freedom from worry

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

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

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

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

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

marked by eager anticipation

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

many times at short intervals

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The tobacco-loving Pendleton afterwards recalled with surprise that not once did he think of the weed.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

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

From this reading THE SECOND NIGHT The second night of the vigil in Hume's rooms wore on.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading THE SECOND NIGHT The second night of the vigil in Hume's rooms wore on.

not capable of being precisely or readily described; not easily put into words

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

the force of workers available

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

of an obscure nature

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading THE SECOND NIGHT The second night of the vigil in Hume's rooms wore on.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The tobacco-loving Pendleton afterwards recalled with surprise that not once did he think of the weed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE SECOND NIGHT The second night of the vigil in Hume's rooms wore on.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE SECOND NIGHT The second night of the vigil in Hume's rooms wore on.

on one occasion

From this reading The tobacco-loving Pendleton afterwards recalled with surprise that not once did he think of the weed.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

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

From this reading The tobacco-loving Pendleton afterwards recalled with surprise that not once did he think of the weed.

plural of “plank” — a stout length of sawn timber; made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

existing or coming before

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

past form of “recall” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading The tobacco-loving Pendleton afterwards recalled with surprise that not once did he think of the weed.

a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading THE SECOND NIGHT The second night of the vigil in Hume's rooms wore on.

only a very short time before

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading THE SECOND NIGHT The second night of the vigil in Hume's rooms wore on.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

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

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

express in speech

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

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

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading The tobacco-loving Pendleton afterwards recalled with surprise that not once did he think of the weed.

pulled or drawn tight

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

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

From this reading THE SECOND NIGHT The second night of the vigil in Hume's rooms wore on.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading The tobacco-loving Pendleton afterwards recalled with surprise that not once did he think of the weed.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

plural of “timber” — the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

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

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

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

From this reading The tobacco-loving Pendleton afterwards recalled with surprise that not once did he think of the weed.

plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

not seen or perceived

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

incapable of being traced or tracked down

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

a period of sleeplessness

From this reading THE SECOND NIGHT The second night of the vigil in Hume's rooms wore on.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading But when the queer, mysterious night sounds began to come--those creakings of loose planks, strainings of unseen timbers and untraceable snappings in the walls, that are common in old houses--he frequently thought of the automatic revolver; and the chill of the polished metal always felt comforting enough.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading There was a taut, indefinable something in the air that kept the desire for sleep from both; in the brooding darkness they were alert, watchful, expectant.

any plant that crowds out cultivated plants

From this reading The tobacco-loving Pendleton afterwards recalled with surprise that not once did he think of the weed.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

at the time that

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The tobacco-loving Pendleton afterwards recalled with surprise that not once did he think of the weed.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading THE SECOND NIGHT The second night of the vigil in Hume's rooms wore on.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Unlike the preceding one, the two young men were almost entirely silent; when they did speak, it was in tones so low as to be scarcely above a whisper.