used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
BIRDIEverbUS /ˈbɜːrdi/
shoot in one stroke under par
From this reading PANIC OF BIRDIE Susan sat quite still.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
coldlyadverbUS /ˈkoʊldli/
lacking warmth of feeling; in a cold, unemotional manner
From this reading "You needn't get excited," she said coldly.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
divisible by two
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading "You needn't get excited," she said coldly.
accept an excuse for
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
ferociousadjectiveUS /fərˈoʊʃəs/
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
moving swiftly
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
forthcomingadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrθˈkʌmɪŋ/
at ease in talking to others
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading "You needn't get excited," she said coldly.
a mental representation of some haunting experience
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
Hirondel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
hoppingverbUS /ˈhɑːpɪŋ/
inflected form of “hop” — jump lightly
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
hystericsnounUS /ˌhɪˈsterɪks/
an attack of hysteria
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
Mecklen's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
needn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "You needn't get excited," she said coldly.
not any; not one
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading PANIC OF BIRDIE Susan sat quite still.
make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
PANICnounUS /ˈpænɪk/
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading PANIC OF BIRDIE Susan sat quite still.
pedestriansnounUS /pəˈdestriənz/
plural of “pedestrian” — a person who travels by foot
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading PANIC OF BIRDIE Susan sat quite still.
reasonableadjectiveUS /ˈriːzənəbəl/
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
rescuersnounUS /ˈreskjuːərz/
plural of “rescuer” — a person who rescues you from harm or danger
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "You needn't get excited," she said coldly.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading PANIC OF BIRDIE Susan sat quite still.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
utter in a loud voice; talk in a loud voice (usually denoting characteristic manner of speaking)
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
not in physical motion
From this reading PANIC OF BIRDIE Susan sat quite still.
fastener consisting of a narrow strip of welded metal used to join steel members
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
Susan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PANIC OF BIRDIE Susan sat quite still.
tensionnounUS /ˈtenʃən/
(psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
threatnounUS /θret/
something that is a source of danger
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
wasn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
at the time that
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
WoolworthnounUS /ˈwʊlwɜːrθ/
United States businessman who opened a shop in 1879 selling low-priced goods and built it into a national chain of stores (1852-1919)
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The tension of Mecklen's fingers about her throat and the ferocious look on his face left her in no doubt but that he would carry out his threat if she gave him the ghost of an excuse.
would-beadjective
unfulfilled or frustrated in realizing an ambition
From this reading There were a few pedestrians about and not another car in sight--anyway, even if she did shout, and were heard, her would-be rescuers would have about as much chance of stopping that flying Hirondel as they would have of hopping over the Woolworth Building.
yammering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, Susan wasn't the sort to go into hysterics when yammering for help didn't offer any reasonable hope of help being forthcoming.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "You needn't get excited," she said coldly.
