used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
actionsnounUS /ˈækʃənz/
plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
acuteadjectiveUS /əˈkjuːt/
having or experiencing a rapid onset and short but severe course
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading And the foremost Arab continued to advance, while fingering the drawn blade of his knife.
ammunitionnounUS /ˌæmjəˈnɪʃən/
projectiles to be fired from a gun
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
ArabnounUS /ˈærəb/
a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa
From this reading And the foremost Arab continued to advance, while fingering the drawn blade of his knife.
ArabsnounUS /ˈærəbz/
plural of “arab” — a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
beardsnounUS /bɪrdz/
plural of “beard” — the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
beltsnounUS /belts/
plural of “belt” — endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
bladenounUS /bleɪd/
especially a leaf of grass or the broad portion of a leaf as distinct from the petiole
From this reading And the foremost Arab continued to advance, while fingering the drawn blade of his knife.
bone-handled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
cheerfullyadverbUS /ˈtʃɪrfəli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
cleareradjectiveUS /ˈklɪrər/
comparative of “clear” — readily apparent to the mind
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
close-packedadjective
packed especially tightly
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
without stop or interruption
From this reading And the foremost Arab continued to advance, while fingering the drawn blade of his knife.
curvedadjectiveUS /kɜːrvd/
having or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
desperatelyadverbUS /ˈdespərətli/
with great urgency
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
detachedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtætʃt/
showing lack of emotional involvement
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
without deviation
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
dirtyadjectiveUS /ˈdɜːrti/
soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading And the foremost Arab continued to advance, while fingering the drawn blade of his knife.
put on clothes
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
opinion or judgment
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
filmnounUS /fɪlm/
a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
fingeringnounUS /ˈfɪŋɡərɪŋ/
the placement of the fingers for playing different notes (or sequences of notes) on a musical instrument
From this reading And the foremost Arab continued to advance, while fingering the drawn blade of his knife.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
foremostadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmoʊst/
ranking above all others
From this reading And the foremost Arab continued to advance, while fingering the drawn blade of his knife.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
headdressesnounUS /ˈheddresəz/
plural of “headdress” — clothing for the head
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading And the foremost Arab continued to advance, while fingering the drawn blade of his knife.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
intentionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈtentʃənz/
plural of “intention” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle
From this reading And the foremost Arab continued to advance, while fingering the drawn blade of his knife.
knivesnounUS /naɪvz/
plural of “knife” — edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
lawlessadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːləs/
without law or control
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
motleynounUS /ˈmɑːtli/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
nomadsnounUS /ˈnoʊmædz/
plural of “nomad” — a member of a people who have no permanent home but move about according to the seasons
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
oppressionnounUS /əˈpreʃən/
the act of subjugating by cruelty
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
pistolsnounUS /ˈpɪstəlz/
plural of “pistol” — a firearm that is held and fired with one hand
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
PURGATORYnounUS /ˈpɜːrɡətɔːri/
a temporary condition of torment or suffering
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
raggedadjectiveUS /ˈræɡəd/
being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
revolversnounUS /rɪˈvɑːlvərz/
plural of “revolver” — a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
steal goods; take as spoils
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
robesnounUS /roʊbz/
plural of “robe” — any loose flowing garment
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
a reason for wanting something done
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
spectatornounUS /ˈspekteɪtər/
a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
stragglingadjective
spreading out in different directions or distributed irregularly
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading PAIN, PURGATORY, AND A PLAN As my senses became clearer the feeling of oppression in my chest grew more and more acute, and I had to struggle desperately for breath.
travellersnounUS /ˈtrævələrz/
plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
unfriendlyadjectiveUS /ənˈfrendli/
not easy to understand or use
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
unkemptadjectiveUS /ənˈkempt/
not neatly combed
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading They had between them a strange variety of arms--guns of every size and shape, belts of close-packed ammunition, revolvers and bone-handled pistols, and curved knives.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading And the foremost Arab continued to advance, while fingering the drawn blade of his knife.
which person or people
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading They were an unkempt group, with ragged robes and dirty headdresses and straggling beards and unfriendly eyes--the sort of nomads who, during the lawless days of war would, and did, cheerfully kill travellers for the sake of a pair of boots, a dress, or a rifle.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet I failed to realize that I was directly concerned in the Arabs' intentions and actions, and looked at the motley group from the detached point of view of a film spectator.
