Chapter I

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

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

mentioned or named earlier in the same text

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

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

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

(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 Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

a quantity of money

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

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

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

recognize with gratitude; be grateful for

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

a flexible container with a single opening

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

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

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

closing the eyes intermittently and rapidly

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

noisy like the sound of a bee

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

a state at a particular time

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

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

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

having the place or position changed

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

without question and beyond doubt

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

the end of a word (a suffix or inflectional ending or final morpheme)

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

set up or found

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

superlative of “full” — containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

a metric unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

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

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

only a very short time before

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

a unit of inductance in which an induced electromotive force of one volt is produced when the current is varied at the rate of one ampere per second

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

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

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

beyond normal limits

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

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

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

in the recent past

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

intended for the left hand

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

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

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

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 If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

a brief written record

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

and nothing more

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

possessive form of “publisher” — a firm in the publishing business

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

plural of “qualification” — an attribute that must be met or complied with and that fits a person for something

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

violently angry and destructive behavior

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

the extended spatial location of something

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

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

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

past form of “search” — try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

English poet (1554-1586)

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

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

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

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

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

not in physical motion

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

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 If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

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

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

an impression that something might be the case

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

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 Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

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

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

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

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

by bad luck

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

the topmost one of two

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

provide with power and authority

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading [Publisher’s note: Humor, we have been told by some of our critics, can never amount to much in scientifiction.

becoming weaker

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Well, we believe we have found it in this tale, which not only has all of the above-mentioned qualifications, but a fine O. Henry ending thrown in for good measure.

at the time that

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

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

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Still he could hardly avoid the suspicion that something out of the ordinary had disturbed him; and, with blinking eyes, he searched the apartment for possible inordinate things.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading If we may let a secret out of the bag, the Editor has been on a rampage, lately, to find a scientifiction story in which there really could be a subtle humor without weakening the narrative.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

a silvery metallic element that is common in rare-earth minerals; used in magnesium and aluminum alloys

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Only when you have read it for the second time will you appreciate it to its fullest extent.] If Lieutenant-Colonel Algernon Sidney St. Johnstone, N.Y.N.G., had been in a normal condition, he would certainly have been aware of a peculiar buzzing sensation in the region of his upper left-hand vest pocket; but unfortunately it so happened that his actual physical state was most emphatically sub-normal.