used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
abruptnessnounUS /əˈbrʌptnəs/
an abrupt discourteous manner
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
in actual fact
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
assailantsnounUS /əˈseɪlənts/
plural of “assailant” — someone who attacks
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
aviatorsnounUS /ˈeɪvieɪtərz/
plural of “aviator” — someone who operates an aircraft
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
cockpitsnounUS /ˈkɑːkpɪts/
plural of “cockpit” — compartment where the pilot sits while flying the aircraft
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
contactnounUS /ˈkɑːntækt/
close interaction
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
let fall to the ground
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
FIFTY-SEVENadjective
being seven more than fifty
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
fortyadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrti/
being ten more than thirty
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
huskyadjectiveUS /ˈhʌski/
muscular and heavily built
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
jarredverbUS /dʒɑːrd/
inflected form of “jar” — be incompatible; be or come into conflict
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
levelledverbUS /ˈlevəld/
inflected form of “level” — aim at
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
mixverbUS /mɪks/
mix together different elements
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
momentumnounUS /moʊˈmentəm/
an impelling force or strength
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
monoplanenounUS /ˈmɑːnəpleɪn/
an airplane with a single wing
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
not any; not one
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
planenounUS /pleɪn/
an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
propelledverbUS /prəˈpeld/
inflected form of “propel” — cause to move forward with force
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
housing available for people to live in
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
racedverbUS /reɪst/
past form of “race” — move hurridly
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
ruffians
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
activities associated with sexual intercourse
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
in the near future
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
come to a halt, stop moving
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
unevenadjectiveUS /əˈniːvən/
not even or uniform as e.g. in shape or texture
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
precisely as stated
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
vitalsnoun
a bodily organ that is essential for life
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
wheelsnounUS /wiːlz/
plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)
From this reading Then he allowed the tail to drop slightly, the wheels made contact and the monoplane rolled forward over uneven ground, propelled by her own momentum.
at the time that
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
in the company of; together with
From this reading NUMBER FIFTY-SEVEN Bill levelled off with an abruptness that jarred the very vitals of the plane.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It soon became evident that they would be too late to come to close quarters with the girls’ assailants.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading Before she actually came to a stop, both lads flung themselves from the cockpits and raced for the trees thirty or forty yards away.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Brave enough when they had members of the opposite sex to deal with, the ruffians had no desire to mix it up with a couple of husky young aviators.
