used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
achievementsnounUS /əˈtʃiːvmənts/
plural of “achievement” — the action of accomplishing something
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
appreciatedadjectiveUS /əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/
fully understood or grasped
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
burglariesnounUS /ˈbɜːrɡləriz/
plural of “burglary” — entering a building unlawfully with intent to commit a felony or to steal valuable property
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
ChristophernounUS /ˈkrɪstəfər/
Christian martyr and patron saint of travellers (3rd century)
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
CIRCULARadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrkjələr/
having the shape or form of a circle
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
COUNTERSnounUS /ˈkaʊntərz/
plural of “counter” — table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
crimesnounUS /kraɪmz/
plural of “crime” — (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
definiteadjectiveUS /ˈdefənət/
precise; explicit and clearly defined
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
dulyadverbUS /ˈduːli/
in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
elucidatedverbUS /ɪˈluːsədeɪtəd/
past form of “elucidate” — make clear and (more) comprehensible
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
eminentadjectiveUS /ˈemənənt/
standing above others in quality or position
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
divisible by two
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
existsverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪsts/
third-person singular of “exist” — have an existence, be extant
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
set up or found
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
foundationnounUS /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/
the basis on which something is grounded
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
many times at short intervals
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
Harley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
interpretedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɜːrprətəd/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
key-clew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
take somebody somewhere
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
Maynard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
used to form the superlative
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
motivenounUS /ˈmoʊtɪv/
the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
of an obscure nature
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
obscureverbUS /əbsˈkjʊr/
make less visible or unclear
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
and nothing more
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
physiciannounUS /fəˈzɪʃən/
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
Quarles's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
recognizingverbUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪzɪŋ/
-ing form of “recognize” — accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
rightlyadverbUS /ˈraɪtli/
with honesty
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
term of address for a man
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
solutionnounUS /səˈluːʃən/
a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
speculationnounUS /ˌspekjəˈleɪʃən/
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading Sir Joseph Maynard, the eminent physician of Harley Street, had given a small dinner party one evening.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
superhumanadjectiveUS /ˌsuːpərˈhjuːmən/
above or beyond the human or demanding more than human power or endurance
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
in or at that place or location
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Even in those crimes which have never been elucidated this point exists, only it has never been duly appreciated.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His almost superhuman power of recognizing this key-clew was the foundation of Christopher Quarles's success, and his solution of the mysterious burglaries which caused such speculation for a time was not the least of his achievements.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading THE MYSTERY OF THE CIRCULAR COUNTERS However obscure a mystery may be, there is always some point or circumstance which, if rightly interpreted, will lead to its solution.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading It is this key-clew, as I may call it, for which the detective first looks, and, since few crimes, if any, are committed without some definite reason, it is most frequently found in the motive.
