used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
on a ship, train, plane or other vehicle
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
(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 He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
appointmentnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənt/
the act of putting a person into a non-elective position
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
according with custom or propriety
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
BehindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
blindingadjectiveUS /ˈblaɪndɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The Earth was but one of the countless worlds visible through the stern ports, distinguishable by its slightly greenish tinge.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
Carr's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
chronometernoun
an accurate clock (especially used in navigation)
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
countlessadjectiveUS /ˈkaʊntləs/
too numerous to be counted
From this reading The Earth was but one of the countless worlds visible through the stern ports, distinguishable by its slightly greenish tinge.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
developedadjectiveUS /dɪˈveləpt/
being changed over time so as to be e.g. stronger or more complete or more useful
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading They had reached the vicinity of the phenomenon of space Mado had previously discovered.
distinguishableadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃəbəl/
capable of being perceived as different or distinct
From this reading The Earth was but one of the countless worlds visible through the stern ports, distinguishable by its slightly greenish tinge.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading The Earth was but one of the countless worlds visible through the stern ports, distinguishable by its slightly greenish tinge.
ebonadjective
of a very dark black
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
firmamentnoun
the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
fondnessnounUS /ˈfɑːndnəs/
a predisposition to like something
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
greenishadjectiveUS /ˈɡriːnɪʃ/
of the color between blue and yellow in the color spectrum; similar to the color of fresh grass
From this reading The Earth was but one of the countless worlds visible through the stern ports, distinguishable by its slightly greenish tinge.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
for more time
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
-ing form of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
Mado
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had reached the vicinity of the phenomenon of space Mado had previously discovered.
magnificencenoun
splendid or imposing in size or appearance
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
MartiannounUS /ˈmɑːrʃən/
imaginary people who live on the planet Mars
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
measuredadjectiveUS /ˈmeʒərd/
having notes of fixed rhythmic value
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
mechanismsnounUS /ˈmekənɪzəmz/
plural of “mechanism” — the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
NomadnounUS /ˈnoʊmæd/
a member of a people who have no permanent home but move about according to the seasons
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The Earth was but one of the countless worlds visible through the stern ports, distinguishable by its slightly greenish tinge.
operationnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈeɪʃən/
the state of being in effect or being operative
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
phenomenonnounUS /fəˈnɑːmənɑːn/
any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning
From this reading They had reached the vicinity of the phenomenon of space Mado had previously discovered.
planetnounUS /ˈplænət/
(astronomy) any of the nine large celestial bodies in the solar system that revolve around the sun and shine by reflected light
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
portsnounUS /pɔːrts/
plural of “port” — a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading The Earth was but one of the countless worlds visible through the stern ports, distinguishable by its slightly greenish tinge.
previouslyadverbUS /ˈpriːviəsli/
at an earlier time or formerly
From this reading They had reached the vicinity of the phenomenon of space Mado had previously discovered.
proficientadjectiveUS /prɑːˈfɪʃənt/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
with speed
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading They had reached the vicinity of the phenomenon of space Mado had previously discovered.
recededverbUS /rəˈsiːdɪd/
past form of “recede” — pull back or move away or backward
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
regulatingnounUS /ˈreɡjəleɪtɪŋ/
the act of controlling or directing according to rule
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
transport commercially
From this reading He was becoming proficient in the operation of all mechanisms of the ship and had developed a fondness for its every appointment.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading They had reached the vicinity of the phenomenon of space Mado had previously discovered.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading The Earth was but one of the countless worlds visible through the stern ports, distinguishable by its slightly greenish tinge.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Behind them the sun was losing much of its blinding magnificence as it receded into the ebon background of the firmament.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They had reached the vicinity of the phenomenon of space Mado had previously discovered.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The Earth was but one of the countless worlds visible through the stern ports, distinguishable by its slightly greenish tinge.
tingenounUS /tɪndʒ/
a slight but appreciable amount
From this reading The Earth was but one of the countless worlds visible through the stern ports, distinguishable by its slightly greenish tinge.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
vicinitynounUS /vəˈsɪnəti/
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading They had reached the vicinity of the phenomenon of space Mado had previously discovered.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading The Earth was but one of the countless worlds visible through the stern ports, distinguishable by its slightly greenish tinge.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
look attentively
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _A Message_ The days passed quickly, whether measured by the Martian chronometer aboard the _Nomad_ or by Carr's watch, which he was regulating to match the slightly longer day of the red planet.
worldsnounUS /wɜːrldz/
plural of “world” — everything that exists anywhere
From this reading The Earth was but one of the countless worlds visible through the stern ports, distinguishable by its slightly greenish tinge.
