Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

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

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

(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 Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

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

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

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

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading These latter theories imply that the meteorites in immense quantities are revolving around the earth, and that occasionally they become entangled in her atmosphere and fall to the surface.

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

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading These latter theories imply that the meteorites in immense quantities are revolving around the earth, and that occasionally they become entangled in her atmosphere and fall to the surface.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

The middle point or core of an area.

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

deeply involved especially in something complicated

From this reading These latter theories imply that the meteorites in immense quantities are revolving around the earth, and that occasionally they become entangled in her atmosphere and fall to the surface.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

plural of “hailstone” — small pellet of ice that falls during a hailstorm

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading These latter theories imply that the meteorites in immense quantities are revolving around the earth, and that occasionally they become entangled in her atmosphere and fall to the surface.

express or state indirectly

From this reading These latter theories imply that the meteorites in immense quantities are revolving around the earth, and that occasionally they become entangled in her atmosphere and fall to the surface.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

a lack of gratitude

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

and nothing more

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading These latter theories imply that the meteorites in immense quantities are revolving around the earth, and that occasionally they become entangled in her atmosphere and fall to the surface.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

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 AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

the force of workers available

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

containing or made of or resembling or characteristic of a metal

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

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

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading These latter theories imply that the meteorites in immense quantities are revolving around the earth, and that occasionally they become entangled in her atmosphere and fall to the surface.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

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

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

accept an excuse for

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

plural of “quantity” — how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify

From this reading These latter theories imply that the meteorites in immense quantities are revolving around the earth, and that occasionally they become entangled in her atmosphere and fall to the surface.

an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

pay back

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

-ing form of “revolve” — turn on or around an axis or a center

From this reading These latter theories imply that the meteorites in immense quantities are revolving around the earth, and that occasionally they become entangled in her atmosphere and fall to the surface.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

express in words

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

of or relating to the practice of science

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

make solid or more solid; cause to solidify

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

not in physical motion

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading These latter theories imply that the meteorites in immense quantities are revolving around the earth, and that occasionally they become entangled in her atmosphere and fall to the surface.

past form of “tempt” — dispose or incline or entice to

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

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

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

plural of “theory” — a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These latter theories imply that the meteorites in immense quantities are revolving around the earth, and that occasionally they become entangled in her atmosphere and fall to the surface.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

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

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

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

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

a state of depression

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

relating to or produced by or consisting of volcanoes

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

plural of “volcano” — a fissure in the earth's crust (or in the surface of some other planet) through which molten lava and gases erupt

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

filled with water

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

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

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

at the time that

From this reading Others have held that they are thrown out from the center of the earth by volcanic action; and others still that they all came from the moon when her volcanoes were active.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Some have believed that they are aggregations of metallic vapors which, meeting in the atmosphere, solidify there and fall, just as watery vapors solidify and come down in the form of hailstones.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading AN UNLIKELY STORY “If the doctor,” I said, “will pardon me, I will say, in relation to the origin of meteorites, that our scientific men have held from time to time many different theories.

in the company of; together with

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “And now, Thorwald, I am tempted to repay all your great kindness to us with an act of ingratitude, nothing less than the relation of a story.”