used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Their captors had a very curious system, a very curious motivation.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The captives were allowed to--even encouraged to--build devices to bring about their escape.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
quickly and without warning
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading The captives were allowed to--even encouraged to--build devices to bring about their escape.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading The captives were allowed to--even encouraged to--build devices to bring about their escape.
make by combining materials and parts
From this reading The captives were allowed to--even encouraged to--build devices to bring about their escape.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
captivesnounUS /ˈkæptɪvz/
plural of “captive” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading The captives were allowed to--even encouraged to--build devices to bring about their escape.
captorsnounUS /ˈkæptərz/
plural of “captor” — a person who captures and holds people or animals
From this reading Their captors had a very curious system, a very curious motivation.
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
copper-colored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading Their captors had a very curious system, a very curious motivation.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
devicesnounUS /dɪˈvaɪsəz/
an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase “left to your own devices”
From this reading The captives were allowed to--even encouraged to--build devices to bring about their escape.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
disgustverbUS /dɪsˈɡʌst/
fill with distaste
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
one or the other of two
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
encouragedadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒd/
inspired with confidence
From this reading The captives were allowed to--even encouraged to--build devices to bring about their escape.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading The captives were allowed to--even encouraged to--build devices to bring about their escape.
divisible by two
From this reading The captives were allowed to--even encouraged to--build devices to bring about their escape.
opinion or judgment
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
flickeredverbUS /ˈflɪkərd/
past form of “flicker” — move back and forth very rapidly
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
grimaceverbUS /ˈɡrɪməs/
contort the face to indicate a certain mental or emotional state
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Their captors had a very curious system, a very curious motivation.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
interstellaradjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈstelər/
between or among stars
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
and nothing more
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
conformity or harmony
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
immediately past
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
metalnounUS /ˈmetəl/
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 His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
a particular point in time
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
motivationnounUS /ˌmoʊtəˈveɪʃən/
the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading Their captors had a very curious system, a very curious motivation.
mysteriouslyadverbUS /ˌmɪˈstɪriəsli/
in a cryptic manner
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
and nothing more
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
precipicenounUS /ˈpresəpəs/
a very steep cliff
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
plural of “second” — 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
From this reading Their captors had a very curious system, a very curious motivation.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The captives were allowed to--even encouraged to--build devices to bring about their escape.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Their captors had a very curious system, a very curious motivation.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The captives were allowed to--even encouraged to--build devices to bring about their escape.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
precisely as stated
From this reading Their captors had a very curious system, a very curious motivation.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His eyes flew open and were greeted by the sight of a copper-colored metal ceiling a few feet above; it took him several seconds to realize that it was keeping its distance, and that he was not falling either toward or away from it.
weightlessnessnounUS /ˈweɪtləsnəs/
the property of being comparatively small in weight
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The captives were allowed to--even encouraged to--build devices to bring about their escape.
at the time that
From this reading When he did, a grimace of disgust flickered across his face; he had lived and slept through enough days and nights in interstellar space to be accustomed to weightlessness.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
wokeverbUS /woʊk/
inflected form of “wake” — be awake, be alert, be there
From this reading Only at the last moment, mysteriously, the captors always stopped them-- Dr. Little woke up abruptly, with a distinct sensation of having just stepped over a precipice.
