3
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
acutelyadverbUS /əˈkjuːtli/
in a keen or penetrating way
From this reading The Author is acutely aware not only of the stoker but of himself.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
arraynounUS /ərˈeɪ/
an orderly arrangement
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
Author'snounUS /ˈɔːθərz/
possessive form of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading The Author is acutely aware not only of the stoker but of himself.
awe-stricken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
earlier than; in front of
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Meanwhile the Author does not forget that the stoker is material, is "copy," is being watched, _observed_.
blazingadjectiveUS /ˈbleɪzɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The Author is acutely aware not only of the stoker but of himself.
coalnounUS /koʊl/
fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
conveniencenounUS /kənˈviːnjəns/
the state of being suitable or opportune
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
From this reading Meanwhile the Author does not forget that the stoker is material, is "copy," is being watched, _observed_.
directingadjectiveUS /dərˈektɪŋ/
showing the way by conducting or leading; imposing direction on
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Meanwhile the Author does not forget that the stoker is material, is "copy," is being watched, _observed_.
drinksnounUS /drɪŋks/
plural of “drink” — a single serving of a beverage
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
drippingnounUS /ˈdrɪpɪŋ/
a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
efficiencynounUS /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/
the ratio of the output to the input of any system
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
entertainingadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnɪŋ/
agreeably diverting
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
fendernounUS /ˈfendər/
a barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
start firing a weapon
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading Meanwhile the Author does not forget that the stoker is material, is "copy," is being watched, _observed_.
fussesnounUS /ˈfʌsɪz/
plural of “fuss” — an excited state of agitation
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The Author is acutely aware not only of the stoker but of himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Author is acutely aware not only of the stoker but of himself.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests
From this reading Meanwhile the Author does not forget that the stoker is material, is "copy," is being watched, _observed_.
at the same time but in another place
From this reading Meanwhile the Author does not forget that the stoker is material, is "copy," is being watched, _observed_.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The Author is acutely aware not only of the stoker but of himself.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Meanwhile the Author does not forget that the stoker is material, is "copy," is being watched, _observed_.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
and nothing more
From this reading The Author is acutely aware not only of the stoker but of himself.
personalitynounUS /ˌpɜːrsəˈnælɪti/
the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
preparationnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/
the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading The stoker has probably never been in the home of an Author before; he is probably awe-stricken at the array of books, at the comfort, convenience, and efficiency of the home, at the pleasant personality entertaining him....
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
SecnounUS /sek/
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Sec.
shiftsnounUS /ʃɪfts/
plural of “shift” — an event in which something is displaced without rotation
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
steamingadjectiveUS /ˈstiːmɪŋ/
filled with steam or emitting moisture in the form of vapor or mist
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
stokernounUS /ˈstoʊkər/
Irish writer of the horror novel about Dracula (1847-1912)
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Meanwhile the Author does not forget that the stoker is material, is "copy," is being watched, _observed_.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading Meanwhile the Author does not forget that the stoker is material, is "copy," is being watched, _observed_.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
in the company of; together with
From this reading 3 The scene shifts to the Author's study--a blazing coal fire, the stoker sitting dripping and steaming before it, with his feet inside the fender, while the Author fusses about the room, directing the preparation of hot drinks.
