used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
the performance of a part or role in a drama
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
aerodromenounUS /ˈerədroʊm/
an airfield equipped with control tower and hangars as well as accommodations for passengers and cargo
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
barriernounUS /ˈbæriər/
a structure or object that impedes free movement
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
BerlinnounUS /bərˈlɪn/
capital of Germany located in eastern Germany
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
BlissnounUS /blɪs/
a state of extreme happiness
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
Brewster
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
the people of Great Britain
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
confidentialadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːnfəˈdenʃəl/
entrusted with private information and the confidence of another
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
Desmond
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
destinedadjectiveUS /ˈdestɪnd/
headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
effulgencenoun
the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
expensenounUS /ɪkˈspens/
amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
flying-field
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On their way to the flying-field the girl had told Desmond her history.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
forlornadjectiveUS /fərˈlɔːrn/
marked by or showing hopelessness
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
German-speakingadjective
able to communicate in German
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
a young female
From this reading On their way to the flying-field the girl had told Desmond her history.
glarenounUS /ɡler/
a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading On their way to the flying-field the girl had told Desmond her history.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading On their way to the flying-field the girl had told Desmond her history.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading On their way to the flying-field the girl had told Desmond her history.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
past form of “jump” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
landing-station
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
a person who carries a message
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
MinervanounUS /məˈnɜːrvə/
(Roman mythology) goddess of wisdom; counterpart of Greek Athena
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
missionsnounUS /ˈmɪʃənz/
plural of “mission” — an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On their way to the flying-field the girl had told Desmond her history.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
punyadjectiveUS /ˈpjuːni/
inferior in strength or significance
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
recommendedverbUS /ˌrekəˈmendɪd/
past form of “recommend” — push for something
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
roofsnounUS /ruːfs/
plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
a person who is head of an administrative department of government
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
shedsnounUS /ʃedz/
plural of “shed” — an outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
silvered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
strandedadjectiveUS /ˈstrændɪd/
cut off or left behind
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
confined on all sides
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
possessing sweep
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
in or at that place or location
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
a special situation
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On their way to the flying-field the girl had told Desmond her history.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading On their way to the flying-field the girl had told Desmond her history.
a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
trustworthyadjectiveUS /ˈtrʌstwɜːrði/
worthy of trust or belief
From this reading Her General had recommended her to Bliss as a trustworthy German-speaking messenger, and though she was fully aware of the danger of the mission, she had jumped at the chance of a trip home at Government expense.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading On their way to the flying-field the girl had told Desmond her history.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
in or at the place that
From this reading From the barrier of the aerodrome, where the Minerva pulled up, Desmond could see the machine destined for their night journey.
belonging to which person
From this reading What a puny thing it looked, stranded there, forlorn and solitary, in the centre of the vast open space swept by the glare of the lights of the night landing-station and surrounded by the long, low sheds whose roofs were now silvered by the effulgence of the moon!
a late time of life
From this reading Her name was Mary Brewster, and for two years she had been acting as confidential secretary to the head of one of the British missions in Berlin.
