used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
appraiseverbUS /əˈpreɪz/
evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Arthur Duryea cleared his throat, but still his voice was clogged and unsteady.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Doom of the House of Duryea By EARL PEIRCE, JR.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush
From this reading Arthur Duryea cleared his throat, but still his voice was clogged and unsteady.
an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
cloggedadjectiveUS /klɔːɡd/
thickened or coalesced in soft thick lumps (such as clogs or clots)
From this reading Arthur Duryea cleared his throat, but still his voice was clogged and unsteady.
a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
DoomverbUS /duːm/
decree or designate beforehand
From this reading Doom of the House of Duryea By EARL PEIRCE, JR.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
Duryea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Doom of the House of Duryea By EARL PEIRCE, JR.
a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount
From this reading Doom of the House of Duryea By EARL PEIRCE, JR.
elasticadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæstɪk/
capable of resuming original shape after stretching or compression; springy
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
exaltationnoun
a state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
expectationnounUS /ˌekspekˈteɪʃən/
belief about (or mental picture of) the future
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
opinion or judgment
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
fountainnounUS /ˈfaʊntən/
a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
habitualadjectiveUS /həˈbɪtʃuːəl/
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
holdernounUS /ˈhoʊldər/
a holding device
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
intense and profound fear
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Doom of the House of Duryea By EARL PEIRCE, JR.
how-do-you-do-Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
not in action or at work
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
impressiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpresɪv/
making a strong or vivid impression
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
JRnounUS /ˈdʒuːnjər/
a son who has the same first name as his father
From this reading Doom of the House of Duryea By EARL PEIRCE, JR.
held up in the air
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
lobbynounUS /ˈlɑːbi/
a large entrance or reception room or area
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
loneadjectiveUS /loʊn/
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
MainenounUS /meɪn/
a state in New England
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
come together
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Doom of the House of Duryea By EARL PEIRCE, JR.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
PEIRCEnounUS /pɪrs/
United States mathematician and astronomer remembered for his studies of Uranus and Saturn and Neptune (1809-1880)
From this reading Doom of the House of Duryea By EARL PEIRCE, JR.
a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
having great power or force or potency or effect
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
Sidenote
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
so-and-sonoun
a person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
the season of growth
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
starkadjectiveUS /stɑːrk/
devoid of any qualifications or disguise or adornment
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
not in physical motion
From this reading Arthur Duryea cleared his throat, but still his voice was clogged and unsteady.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
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 [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
strayedverbUS /streɪd/
past form of “stray” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
stridesnounUS /straɪdz/
plural of “stride” — a step in walking or running
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
strodeverbUS /stroʊd/
inflected form of “stride” — walk with long steps
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Doom of the House of Duryea By EARL PEIRCE, JR.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
a special situation
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading Arthur Duryea cleared his throat, but still his voice was clogged and unsteady.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
unsteadyadjectiveUS /ənˈstedi/
subject to change or variation
From this reading Arthur Duryea cleared his throat, but still his voice was clogged and unsteady.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The desk clerk looked up with his habitual smile of expectation; how-do-you-do-Mr.-so-and-so, and his fingers strayed to the green fountain pen which stood in a holder on the desk.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Arthur Duryea cleared his throat, but still his voice was clogged and unsteady.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
in the company of; together with
From this reading As he strode into the hotel lobby--long strides which had the spring of elastic in them--idle eyes lifted to appraise him, for he was an impressive figure, somehow grim with exaltation.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
a late time of life
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading [Sidenote: _A powerful story of stark horror, and the dreadful thing that happened in a lone house in the Maine woods._] Arthur Duryea, a young, handsome man, came to meet his father for the first time in twenty years.
