Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

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

From this reading The increase and refinement of this ability to communicate is an index of the degree of civilization of a people.

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

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

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

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

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

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

a cruelly rapacious person

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading _The Science Community_ (This part is related by Peter Hagstrom, Ph.D.)

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)

From this reading The increase and refinement of this ability to communicate is an index of the degree of civilization of a people.

having a high state of culture and development both social and technological

From this reading The more civilized a people, the more perfect their ability to communicate, especially under difficulties and in emergencies."

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

the act of grasping

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

transmit information

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

a group of people living in a particular local area

From this reading _The Science Community_ (This part is related by Peter Hagstrom, Ph.D.)

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading _The Science Community_ (This part is related by Peter Hagstrom, Ph.D.)

an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

-ing form of “decipher” — convert code into ordinary language

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading The increase and refinement of this ability to communicate is an index of the degree of civilization of a people.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading The more civilized a people, the more perfect their ability to communicate, especially under difficulties and in emergencies."

a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

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

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

plural of “emergency” — a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action

From this reading The more civilized a people, the more perfect their ability to communicate, especially under difficulties and in emergencies."

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading The more civilized a people, the more perfect their ability to communicate, especially under difficulties and in emergencies."

possessive form of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

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

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

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

From this reading _The Science Community_ (This part is related by Peter Hagstrom, Ph.D.)

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

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

in a harmless manner

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

of the present time and place

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

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

From this reading The more civilized a people, the more perfect their ability to communicate, especially under difficulties and in emergencies."

a quantity that is added

From this reading The increase and refinement of this ability to communicate is an index of the degree of civilization of a people.

a numerical scale used to compare variables with one another or with some reference number

From this reading The increase and refinement of this ability to communicate is an index of the degree of civilization of a people.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

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

From this reading _The Science Community_ (This part is related by Peter Hagstrom, Ph.D.)

having or showing no mercy

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The more civilized a people, the more perfect their ability to communicate, especially under difficulties and in emergencies."

used to form the superlative

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

plural of “movie” — a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

and nothing more

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

above and across; more than

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading _The Science Community_ (This part is related by Peter Hagstrom, Ph.D.)

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading The increase and refinement of this ability to communicate is an index of the degree of civilization of a people.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading The more civilized a people, the more perfect their ability to communicate, especially under difficulties and in emergencies."

disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading _The Science Community_ (This part is related by Peter Hagstrom, Ph.D.)

(from potential of Hydrogen) the logarithm of the reciprocal of hydrogen-ion concentration in gram atoms per liter

From this reading _The Science Community_ (This part is related by Peter Hagstrom, Ph.D.)

deeply absorbed in thought

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality

From this reading The increase and refinement of this ability to communicate is an index of the degree of civilization of a people.

being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics

From this reading _The Science Community_ (This part is related by Peter Hagstrom, Ph.D.)

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading _The Science Community_ (This part is related by Peter Hagstrom, Ph.D.)

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

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

the study and classification of human societies

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

plural of “student” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

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

From this reading _The Science Community_ (This part is related by Peter Hagstrom, Ph.D.)

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

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

From this reading _The Science Community_ (This part is related by Peter Hagstrom, Ph.D.)

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

From this reading "The ability to communicate ideas from one individual to another," said a professor of sociology to his class, "is the principal distinction between human beings and their brute forbears.

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

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The more civilized a people, the more perfect their ability to communicate, especially under difficulties and in emergencies."

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

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

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

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

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

which person or people

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.

in the company of; together with

From this reading [Sidenote: _The delivery of his country into the clutches of a merciless, ultra-modern religion can be prevented only by Dr. Hagstrom's deciphering an extraordinary code._] As usual, the observation burst harmlessly over the heads of most of the students in the class, who were preoccupied with more immediate things--with the evening's movies and the week-end's dance.