used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
antagonist's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
assaultnounUS /əˈsɔːlt/
close fighting during the culmination of a military attack
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
bleedingnounUS /ˈbliːdɪŋ/
the flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessel
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
blindingadjectiveUS /ˈblaɪndɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
bracedadjectiveUS /breɪst/
positioned so as to be ready for confrontation or danger
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
bulldogverbUS /ˈbʊldɔːɡ/
attack viciously and ferociously
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
BurkenounUS /bɜːrk/
British statesman famous for his oratory; pleaded the cause of the American colonists in British Parliament and defended the parliamentary system (1729-1797)
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
Burke'snounUS /bɜːrks/
possessive form of “burke” — British statesman famous for his oratory; pleaded the cause of the American colonists in British Parliament and defended the parliamentary system (1729-1797)
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
clinchedadjectiveUS /klɪntʃt/
closed or squeezed together tightly
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
closesnounUS /ˈkloʊzɪz/
plural of “close” — the temporal end; the concluding time
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
clutchedverbUS /klʌtʃt/
past form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
collarnounUS /ˈkɑːlər/
a band that fits around the neck and is usually folded over
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
contactnounUS /ˈkɑːntækt/
close interaction
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
crashingadjectiveUS /ˈkræʃɪŋ/
informal intensifiers
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
having gaps or spaces
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
dodgedverbUS /dɑːdʒd/
past form of “dodge” — make a sudden movement in a new direction so as to avoid
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
having the power of driving or impelling
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
engineernounUS /ˈendʒəˈnɪr/
a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
ferocitynounUS /fərˈɑːsəti/
the property of being wild or turbulent
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
with resolute determination
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
fistnounUS /fɪst/
a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
forcibleadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrsəbəl/
impelled by physical force especially against resistance
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
hold firmly
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
grippedverbUS /ɡrɪpt/
inflected form of “grip” — hold fast or firmly
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
grippingadjectiveUS /ˈɡrɪpɪŋ/
capable of arousing and holding the attention
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
gropingadjectiveUS /ˈɡroʊpɪŋ/
acting with uncertainty or hesitance or lack of confidence
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
to a considerable degree
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
the act of retaining something
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
impetusnounUS /ˈɪmpətəs/
a force that moves something along
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
injurynounUS /ˈɪndʒəri/
any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
InstinctivelyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈstɪŋktɪvliː/
as a matter of instinct
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
Irishman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
attach a tag or label to
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
the force of workers available
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
minernounUS /ˈmaɪnər/
laborer who works in a mine
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
not caught with the senses or the mind
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
other's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
protectedadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪd/
kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
revolvernounUS /rɪˈvɑːlvər/
a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
searchingadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtʃɪŋ/
diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
shirtnounUS /ʃɜːrt/
a garment worn on the upper half of the body
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
sidewaysadverbUS /ˈsaɪdweɪz/
with one side forward or to the front
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
sobverbUS /sɑːb/
weep convulsively
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
trustingadjectiveUS /ˈtrʌstɪŋ/
inclined to believe or confide readily; full of trust
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
two times
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
twistingnounUS /ˈtwɪstɪŋ/
the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
unyieldingadjectiveUS /əˈnjiːldɪŋ/
stubbornly unyielding
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
whirledverbUS /wɜːrld/
past form of “whirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion
From this reading Twice Burke struck out heavily, driving his clinched fist into the other's body, unable to reach the protected face; then Winston succeeded in getting one groping foot braced firmly against a surface of rock, and whirled the surprised miner over upon his back with a degree of violence that caused his breath to burst forth in a great sob.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
Winston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
Winston's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instantly, his teeth gripped like those of a bulldog, he clutched at Winston's throat, trusting to his great strength for victory.
in the company of; together with
From this reading His revolver knocked from his grasp in the first impetus of assault, his cheek bleeding from forcible contact with a rock edge, Winston fought in silent ferocity, one hand holding back the Irishman's searching fingers, the other firmly twisting itself into the soft collar of his antagonist's shirt.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Instinctively, as one without knowing why closes the eyes to avoid injury, the engineer dodged sideways, Burke's gripping fingers missed their chosen mark, and the two men went crashing down together in desperate struggle.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading A RETURN TO THE DAY Burke knew better than to attempt running; three steps in the midst of such blinding darkness would have dashed him against unyielding rock.
