used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
anew
From this reading Be that as it may, he sallied into the repair department very glad to be there again.
plural of “age” — how long something has existed
From this reading "I feel as if I hadn't had a clock lesson for ages," observed he, as he sat down.
in addition
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Be that as it may, he sallied into the repair department very glad to be there again.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
(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 Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
a youthful male person
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
ChristophernounUS /ˈkrɪstəfər/
Christian martyr and patron saint of travellers (3rd century)
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
clerksnounUS /klɜːrks/
plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
a timepiece that shows the time of day
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
clockmakernoun
someone whose occupation is making or repairing clocks and watches
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
companionshipnounUS /kəmˈpænjənʃɪp/
the state of being with someone
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
departmentnounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
a specialized division of a large organization
From this reading Be that as it may, he sallied into the repair department very glad to be there again.
diamondnounUS /ˈdaɪmənd/
a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
elbownounUS /ˈelboʊ/
hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
entertainverbUS /ˌentərˈteɪn/
provide entertainment for
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading "I feel as if I hadn't had a clock lesson for ages," observed he, as he sat down.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "I feel as if I hadn't had a clock lesson for ages," observed he, as he sat down.
set up or found
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
GIANTSnounUS /ˈdʒaɪənts/
plural of “giant” — any creature of exceptional size
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading Be that as it may, he sallied into the repair department very glad to be there again.
in a gradual manner
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
hadn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I feel as if I hadn't had a clock lesson for ages," observed he, as he sat down.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I feel as if I hadn't had a clock lesson for ages," observed he, as he sat down.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "I feel as if I hadn't had a clock lesson for ages," observed he, as he sat down.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Be that as it may, he sallied into the repair department very glad to be there again.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Be that as it may, he sallied into the repair department very glad to be there again.
a unit of instruction
From this reading "I feel as if I hadn't had a clock lesson for ages," observed he, as he sat down.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
the act of hearing attentively
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
engage in
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Be that as it may, he sallied into the repair department very glad to be there again.
McPhearson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
McPhearson's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading "I feel as if I hadn't had a clock lesson for ages," observed he, as he sat down.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
on one occasion
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
by chance
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
poolnounUS /puːl/
an excavation that is (usually) filled with water
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
preferencenounUS /ˈprefərəns/
a strong liking
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
preferringverbUS /prɪˈfɜːrɪŋ/
inflected form of “prefer” — like better; value more highly
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
repairnounUS /rɪˈper/
the act of putting something in working order again
From this reading Be that as it may, he sallied into the repair department very glad to be there again.
ripplesnounUS /ˈrɪpəlz/
plural of “ripple” — a small wave on the surface of a liquid
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
robberynounUS /ˈrɑːbəri/
larceny by threat of violence
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
sallied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be that as it may, he sallied into the repair department very glad to be there again.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading "I feel as if I hadn't had a clock lesson for ages," observed he, as he sat down.
Scotchmannoun
a native or inhabitant of Scotland
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
settlingnounUS /ˈsetəlɪŋ/
a gradual sinking to a lower level
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
express in speech
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
stoolnounUS /stuːl/
a simple seat without a back or arms
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Be that as it may, he sallied into the repair department very glad to be there again.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The two had by this time become great friends, the boy preferring the companionship of the little Scotchman to that of any one else in the store.
precisely as stated
From this reading Be that as it may, he sallied into the repair department very glad to be there again.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
at the time that
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood
From this reading CLOCK GIANTS Gradually the excitement concerning the diamond robbery died away as do ripples in a pool and once more Christopher found himself settling down on the little wooden stool at McPhearson's elbow.
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading Perhaps this preference grew in a measure out of the fact that McPhearson appeared to like him and make more effort to entertain him than did the other clerks; perhaps also he had discovered that the clockmaker, when he did speak, was better worth listening to.
