Chapter I

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

a pass to a receiver downfield from the passer

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

in the past

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading John Cortland, United Utilities Power magnate, sighed as he turned from the quiet streets below.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading But that was before the plague--the plague of the whispering death.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading John Cortland, United Utilities Power magnate, sighed as he turned from the quiet streets below.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

United States labor leader who organized the longshoremen (1901-1990)

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But that was before the plague--the plague of the whispering death.

a ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

plural of “car” — a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

large apple with a red skin

From this reading John Cortland, United Utilities Power magnate, sighed as he turned from the quiet streets below.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

plural of “crowd” — a large number of things or people considered together

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading But that was before the plague--the plague of the whispering death.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

many and different

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

inquire into

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal and hideous

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading John Cortland, United Utilities Power magnate, sighed as he turned from the quiet streets below.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

plural of “helmet” — armor plate that protects the head

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading John Cortland, United Utilities Power magnate, sighed as he turned from the quiet streets below.

the act of jostling (forcing your way by pushing)

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

a very wealthy or powerful businessman

From this reading John Cortland, United Utilities Power magnate, sighed as he turned from the quiet streets below.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

plural of “monster” — an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

in a morose manner

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

and nothing more

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

above and across; more than

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

plural of “pedestrian” — a person who travels by foot

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

cause to suffer a blight

From this reading But that was before the plague--the plague of the whispering death.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading John Cortland, United Utilities Power magnate, sighed as he turned from the quiet streets below.

colorless glass made of almost pure silica

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading John Cortland, United Utilities Power magnate, sighed as he turned from the quiet streets below.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

past form of “sigh” — heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading John Cortland, United Utilities Power magnate, sighed as he turned from the quiet streets below.

past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

not in physical motion

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

changing location by moving back and forth

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading John Cortland, United Utilities Power magnate, sighed as he turned from the quiet streets below.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading John Cortland, United Utilities Power magnate, sighed as he turned from the quiet streets below.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

plural of “utility” — a company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation

From this reading John Cortland, United Utilities Power magnate, sighed as he turned from the quiet streets below.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading But that was before the plague--the plague of the whispering death.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Far down the canyon streets a few motor cars still ran and over the swinging aerial bridges scattered pedestrians carefully wended their way.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind

From this reading But that was before the plague--the plague of the whispering death.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.

plural of “wreck” — something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation

From this reading Their grotesque figures with the heavy metal helmets that reminded the watching man of the half-mythical sea monsters of the past or divers that used to explore wrecks were far different from the jostling crowds that had crowded the ways only a few short days ago.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading The big man with the iron grey hair stared morosely out the quartz window and across the roofs of Greater New York.