used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
react verbally
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
belongingnounUS /bɪˈlɔːŋɪŋ/
happiness felt in a secure relationship
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
brightestadjectiveUS /ˈbraɪtəst/
superlative of “bright” — emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
civilizedadjectiveUS /ˈsɪvəlaɪzd/
having a high state of culture and development both social and technological
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
coevalnoun
a person of nearly the same age as another
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
compilernounUS /kəmˈpaɪlər/
a person who compiles information (as for reference purposes)
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
compositenounUS /kəmˈpɑːzət/
a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
comprisingverbUS /kəmˈpraɪzɪŋ/
-ing form of “comprise” — be composed of
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
conceivableadjectiveUS /kənˈsiːvəbəl/
capable of being imagined
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
ContainingverbUS /kənˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
conundrumnounUS /kəˈnʌndrəm/
a difficult problem
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
Conundrums
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
culturedadjectiveUS /ˈkʌltʃərd/
marked by refinement in taste and manners
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
enigmas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
exercisesnounUS /ˈeksərsaɪzəz/
plural of “exercise” — the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
set up or found
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
brought together in one place
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
GreeksnounUS /ɡriːks/
plural of “greek” — the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
guessingnounUS /ˈɡesɪŋ/
an estimate based on little or no information
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
humornounUS /ˈhjuːmər/
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
intellectualadjectiveUS /ˌɪntəˈlektʃuːəl/
of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
nationsnounUS /ˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “nation” — a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
participate in games or sport
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
punnounUS /pʌn/
a humorous play on words
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
puzzlesnounUS /ˈpʌzəlz/
plural of “puzzle” — a particularly baffling problem that is said to have a correct solution
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
any competition
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
refinedadjectiveUS /rəˈfaɪnd/
(used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
possessing material wealth
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
selectionnounUS /səˈlekʃən/
the act of choosing or selecting
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
a base found in DNA (but not in RNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
the act of using
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
under normal conditions
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object
From this reading The compiler of this little volume has made a choice selection of conundrums from those in actual use among people belonging to refined and cultured society.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The early Greeks were extremely fond of such intellectual exercises, and they are found in the language of all civilized nations.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading Each language has its own particular form of this kind of wit, but the English language, on account of its composite nature, is especially rich in such forms of wit and humor.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Containing one thousand of the late_s_t and be_s_t _Conundrums_, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and original A taste for guessing puzzles and enigmas is coeval with the race.
the words that are spoken
From this reading One of the brightest forms of these puzzles is that of the conundrum, the answer of which is usually a play upon words similar to the pun.
