Chapter XIV · The Bombardment

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

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

(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 Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

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

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

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

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

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

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

inspiring awe or admiration or wonder

From this reading But Don Hale and a few others, fascinated by the awe-inspiring scene and situation, remained.

plural of “battery” — group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

the act of blending components together thoroughly

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

very lively and profitable

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

plural of “bullet” — a projectile that is fired from a gun

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Don Hale and a few others, fascinated by the awe-inspiring scene and situation, remained.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading The majority of the pilots, familiar with the dreadful danger which menaced them, made a wild dash for the underground shelters.

run or move very quickly or hastily

From this reading The majority of the pilots, familiar with the dreadful danger which menaced them, made a wild dash for the underground shelters.

a loud harsh or strident noise

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

something intended to communicate a particular impression

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading But Don Hale and a few others, fascinated by the awe-inspiring scene and situation, remained.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading The majority of the pilots, familiar with the dreadful danger which menaced them, made a wild dash for the underground shelters.

an unchanging intonation

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

divisible by two

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading The majority of the pilots, familiar with the dreadful danger which menaced them, made a wild dash for the underground shelters.

ludicrously odd

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

having your attention fixated as though by a spell

From this reading But Don Hale and a few others, fascinated by the awe-inspiring scene and situation, remained.

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

From this reading But Don Hale and a few others, fascinated by the awe-inspiring scene and situation, remained.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

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

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

a soldier of the American Revolution who was hanged as a spy by the British; his last words were supposed to have been `I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country' (1755-1776)

From this reading But Don Hale and a few others, fascinated by the awe-inspiring scene and situation, remained.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

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

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

plural of “invader” — someone who enters by force in order to conquer

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

-ing form of “lift” — raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

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

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

softly bright or radiant

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The majority of the pilots, familiar with the dreadful danger which menaced them, made a wild dash for the underground shelters.

the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part

From this reading The majority of the pilots, familiar with the dreadful danger which menaced them, made a wild dash for the underground shelters.

past form of “menace” — pose a threat to; present a danger to

From this reading The majority of the pilots, familiar with the dreadful danger which menaced them, made a wild dash for the underground shelters.

the action of people mingling and coming into contact

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

plural of “motor” — machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

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

From this reading But Don Hale and a few others, fascinated by the awe-inspiring scene and situation, remained.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

the local environment

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

past form of “pile” — arrange in stacks

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

plural of “pilot” — someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight

From this reading The majority of the pilots, familiar with the dreadful danger which menaced them, made a wild dash for the underground shelters.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

of or relating to the craft of making fireworks

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

the act of physically reaching or thrusting out

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading But Don Hale and a few others, fascinated by the awe-inspiring scene and situation, remained.

plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading But Don Hale and a few others, fascinated by the awe-inspiring scene and situation, remained.

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

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

a professional card player who makes a living by cheating at card games

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

plural of “shell” — ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

plural of “shelter” — a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger

From this reading The majority of the pilots, familiar with the dreadful danger which menaced them, made a wild dash for the underground shelters.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

shell containing lead pellets that explodes in flight

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading But Don Hale and a few others, fascinated by the awe-inspiring scene and situation, remained.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

plural of “spurt” — the occurrence of a sudden discharge (as of liquid)

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

(music) marked by or composed of disconnected parts or sounds; cut short crisply

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

lighted only by stars

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

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

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

in or at that place or location

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

under the level of the ground

From this reading The majority of the pilots, familiar with the dreadful danger which menaced them, made a wild dash for the underground shelters.

concerned with or affecting the spirit or soul

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading Even amid the booming of the anti-aircraft batteries and the sharper staccato reports of the machine guns from various parts of the field, all blending into an unearthly din, the droning of the motors high in the air could be distinctly heard.

a garment that covers the head and face

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading Like a pyrotechnic display, luminous bullets, searching for the invaders, shot up into the sky, often piercing the low-hanging clouds; and mingling in with them were vicious little spurts of fire which told of the explosion of shrapnel shells.

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

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

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

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading The majority of the pilots, familiar with the dreadful danger which menaced them, made a wild dash for the underground shelters.

in the company of; together with

From this reading By the time the excited crowd had piled outside powerful search-lights were reaching up into the starlit heavens, lifting out of the gloom with strange and fantastic effect the thin veil of clouds which here and there stretched across it.