used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
accurateadjectiveUS /ˈækjərət/
conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
affectingadjectiveUS /əˈfektɪŋ/
arousing affect
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading Both appeared bored by the amusement.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Both appeared bored by the amusement.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
ballsnounUS /bɔːlz/
plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
billiardadjectiveUS /ˈbɪljərd/
of or relating to billiards
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
bondnounUS /bɑːnd/
an electrical force linking atoms
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
boredadjectiveUS /bɔːrd/
tired of the world
From this reading Both appeared bored by the amusement.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Both appeared bored by the amusement.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Both appeared bored by the amusement.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
decisionsnounUS /dɪˈsɪʒənz/
plural of “decision” — the act of making up your mind about something
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
endeavoured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
engageverbUS /enˈɡeɪdʒ/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
esotericadjectiveUS /ˌesəˈterɪk/
confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
evincing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
set up or found
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
frivolousadjectiveUS /ˈfrɪvələs/
not serious in content or attitude or behavior
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
fundsnounUS /fʌndz/
assets in the form of money
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
guaranteesnounUS /ˌɡerənˈtiːz/
plural of “guarantee” — a written assurance that some product or service will be provided or will meet certain specifications
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
haulagenounUS /ˈhɔːlədʒ/
the act of drawing or hauling something
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
issuesnounUS /ˈɪʃuːz/
plural of “issue” — an important question that is in dispute and must be settled
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
legaladjectiveUS /ˈliːɡəl/
established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
legislationnounUS /ˌledʒəˈsleɪʃən/
law enacted by a legislative body
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
middle-agedadjectiveUS /ˈmɪdəleɪɡd/
being roughly between 45 and 65 years old
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
paddedadjectiveUS /ˈpædɪd/
softened by the addition of cushions or padding
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
pendingadjectiveUS /ˈpendɪŋ/
awaiting conclusion or confirmation
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
pokedverbUS /poʊkt/
past form of “poke” — poke or thrust abruptly
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
preferencenounUS /ˈprefərəns/
a strong liking
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
rarelyadverbUS /ˈrerli/
not often
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
ratesnounUS /reɪts/
a local tax on property (usually used in the plural)
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
on the contrary
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
repeatedlyadverbUS /rɪˈpiːtɪdli/
several time
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
express in words
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
secludedadjectiveUS /sɪˈkluːdɪd/
hidden from general view or use
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
shiedverbUS /ʃaɪd/
inflected form of “shy” — start suddenly, as from fright
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
sinkingnounUS /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/
a descent as through liquid (especially through water)
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
an ability that has been acquired by training
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
strokesnounUS /stroʊks/
plural of “stroke” — (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Both appeared bored by the amusement.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
thereofadverbUS /ˌðeˈrʌv/
of or concerning this or that
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
topicsnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪks/
plural of “topic” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
transportationnounUS /ˌtrænspərˈteɪʃən/
a facility consisting of the means and equipment necessary for the movement of passengers or goods
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading In a secluded corner of a certain club billiard room two middle-aged gentlemen padded around and around a table, and poked at balls.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Their skill was little, and their luck was rather less, so that a ball rarely found a pocket.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Or it might be more accurate to say that one endeavoured to engage the other in conversation on these esoteric matters, at which the other repeatedly shied, evincing a preference for those of more general human interest.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Between strokes they carried on a conversation having to do with such light and frivolous topics as bond issues, guarantees thereof, sinking funds, haulage rates, and legal decisions and pending legislation affecting transportation.
