used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
acknowledgeverbUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒ/
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
agentnounUS /ˈeɪdʒənt/
an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
in the past
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
applicationsnounUS /ˌæpləˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “application” — the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
batteriesnounUS /ˈbætəriz/
plural of “battery” — group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place
From this reading The pioneers in the science of dynamic electricity performed their experiments with the electric light, electro-magnets, etc., by using galvanic batteries.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The pioneers in the science of dynamic electricity performed their experiments with the electric light, electro-magnets, etc., by using galvanic batteries.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
cheaperadjectiveUS /ˈtʃiːpər/
comparative of “cheap” — relatively low in price or charging low prices
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
chemicalsnounUS /ˈkemɪkəlz/
plural of “chemical” — material produced by or used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
commercialadjectiveUS /kəˈmɜːrʃəl/
connected with or engaged in or sponsored by or used in commerce or commercial enterprises
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
consumingadjectiveUS /kənˈsuːmɪŋ/
very strong; urgently felt
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
CoopernounUS /ˈkuːpər/
United States industrialist who built the first American locomotive; founded Cooper Union in New York City to offer free courses in the arts and sciences (1791-1883)
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
courtesynounUS /ˈkɜːrtəsi/
a courteous or respectful or considerate act
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
cutsnounUS /kʌts/
plural of “cut” — a share of the profits
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
developmentnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənt/
act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
the act of discovering something
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
dynamicadjectiveUS /daɪˈnæmɪk/
characterized by action or forcefulness or force of personality
From this reading The pioneers in the science of dynamic electricity performed their experiments with the electric light, electro-magnets, etc., by using galvanic batteries.
dynamonounUS /ˈdaɪnəmoʊ/
generator consisting of a coil (the armature) that rotates between the poles of an electromagnet (the field magnet) causing a current to flow in the armature
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
ELECTRICadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
electricaladjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪkəl/
relating to or concerned with electricity
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
electricitynounUS /ɪˌlekˈtrɪsəti/
a physical phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons and protons
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
electro-magnets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pioneers in the science of dynamic electricity performed their experiments with the electric light, electro-magnets, etc., by using galvanic batteries.
etc
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The pioneers in the science of dynamic electricity performed their experiments with the electric light, electro-magnets, etc., by using galvanic batteries.
expensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspensɪv/
high in price or charging high prices
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
experimentsnounUS /ɪkˈsperəmənts/
plural of “experiment” — the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
From this reading The pioneers in the science of dynamic electricity performed their experiments with the electric light, electro-magnets, etc., by using galvanic batteries.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
galvanicadjectiveUS /ɡælˈvænɪk/
pertaining to or producing electric current by chemical action
From this reading The pioneers in the science of dynamic electricity performed their experiments with the electric light, electro-magnets, etc., by using galvanic batteries.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
generateverbUS /ˈdʒenəreɪt/
bring into existence
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
Hewitt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
improvementsnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənts/
plural of “improvement” — a change for the better; progress in development
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
inventionnounUS /ˌɪnˈvenʃən/
the creation of something in the mind
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
inventionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈvenʃənz/
plural of “invention” — the creation of something in the mind
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
marvellousadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːrvələs/
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
master-workman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
and nothing more
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
ordinarilyadverbUS /ˌɔːrdəˈnerəli/
under normal conditions
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
performedverbUS /pərˈfɔːrmd/
past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action
From this reading The pioneers in the science of dynamic electricity performed their experiments with the electric light, electro-magnets, etc., by using galvanic batteries.
phenomenanounUS /fəˈnɑːmənə/
plural of “phenomenon” — any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
pioneersnounUS /ˌpaɪəˈnɪrz/
plural of “pioneer” — someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art
From this reading The pioneers in the science of dynamic electricity performed their experiments with the electric light, electro-magnets, etc., by using galvanic batteries.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
preventedverbUS /prɪˈventɪd/
past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
established beyond doubt
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
PublishersnounUS /ˈpʌblɪʃərz/
plural of “publisher” — a firm in the publishing business
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
purposesnounUS /ˈpɜːrpəsəz/
plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
resultsnounUS /rɪˈzʌlts/
plural of “result” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
reversibilitynoun
the quality of being reversible in either direction
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
a particular branch of scientific knowledge
From this reading The pioneers in the science of dynamic electricity performed their experiments with the electric light, electro-magnets, etc., by using galvanic batteries.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
telephonenounUS /ˈteləfoʊn/
electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The pioneers in the science of dynamic electricity performed their experiments with the electric light, electro-magnets, etc., by using galvanic batteries.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
ThomsonnounUS /ˈtɑːmsən/
United States composer who collaborated with Gertrude Stein (1896-1989)
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
the act of using
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
From this reading The pioneers in the science of dynamic electricity performed their experiments with the electric light, electro-magnets, etc., by using galvanic batteries.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
WeldingnounUS /ˈweldɪŋ/
fastening two pieces of metal together by softening with heat and applying pressure
From this reading ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER For the use of the cuts in this chapter, the Publishers desire to acknowledge the courtesy of the General Electric Company, the Thomson Electric Welding Company, and the Cooper Hewitt Electric Company.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With the discovery of the reversibility of the dynamo, the invention of the telephone, and the improvements in the electric light began the great modern development of electricity which proved that marvellous agent to be a master-workman.
a late time of life
From this reading Many of the things electrical that we ordinarily think of as modern inventions are merely modern applications of phenomena that were discovered many years ago.
zincnounUS /zɪŋk/
a bluish-white lustrous metallic element; brittle at ordinary temperatures but malleable when heated; used in a wide variety of alloys and in galvanizing iron; it occurs naturally as zinc sulphide in zinc blende
From this reading But for practical purposes the consuming of zinc and chemicals in such batteries was too expensive a way to generate electricity, and prevented any commercial use of the results of their experiments until cheaper electricity could be had.
