AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
absentlyadverb
in an absentminded or preoccupied manner
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
advanceverbUS /ədˈvæns/
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
advancedadjectiveUS /ədˈvænst/
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
AlliesnounUS /ˈælaɪz/
the alliance of nations that fought the Axis in World War II and which (with subsequent additions) signed the charter of the United Nations in 1945
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
ammunitionnounUS /ˌæmjəˈnɪʃən/
projectiles to be fired from a gun
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
artillerynounUS /ɑːrˈtɪləri/
large but transportable armament
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Devilish hot stuff, shrapnel," commented a brother officer as Major Seymour stopped at his side.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "Devilish hot stuff, shrapnel," commented a brother officer as Major Seymour stopped at his side.
awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
brothernounUS /ˈbrʌðər/
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading "Devilish hot stuff, shrapnel," commented a brother officer as Major Seymour stopped at his side.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
callousadjectiveUS /ˈkæləs/
emotionally hardened
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
commentedverbUS /ˈkɑːmentəd/
past form of “comment” — make or write a comment on
From this reading "Devilish hot stuff, shrapnel," commented a brother officer as Major Seymour stopped at his side.
corporalnounUS /ˈkɔːrpərəl/
a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
crampedadjectiveUS /kræmpt/
constricted in size
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
daynounUS /deɪ/
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
devastatedverbUS /ˈdevəsteɪtɪd/
past form of “devastate” — cause extensive destruction or ruin utterly
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
DevilishadjectiveUS /ˈdevlɪʃ/
showing the cunning or ingenuity or wickedness typical of a devil
From this reading "Devilish hot stuff, shrapnel," commented a brother officer as Major Seymour stopped at his side.
EarlieradverbUS /ˈɜːrliər/
earlier in time; previously
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
enemynounUS /ˈenəmi/
an opposing military force
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
entrenchments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
fallenadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːlən/
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
fieldsnounUS /fiːldz/
United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
fitfullyadverbUS /ˈfɪtfəli/
in a fitful manner
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
furtheradverbUS /ˈfɜːrðər/
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
hotadjectiveUS /hɑːt/
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading "Devilish hot stuff, shrapnel," commented a brother officer as Major Seymour stopped at his side.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
limbsnounUS /lɪmz/
plural of “limb” — one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
lookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
majoradjectiveUS /ˈmeɪdʒər/
of greater importance or stature or rank
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
MaximsnounUS /ˈmæksəmz/
plural of “maxim” — a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
meetverbUS /miːt/
come together
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
noddedverbUS /ˈnɑːdəd/
inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
observationnounUS /ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃən/
the act of making and recording a measurement
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
obviouslyadverbUS /ˈɑːbviəsli/
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
officernounUS /ˈɔːfəsər/
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading "Devilish hot stuff, shrapnel," commented a brother officer as Major Seymour stopped at his side.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
OUTadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
pacesnounUS /ˈpeɪsɪz/
plural of “pace” — the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
pausedverbUS /pɔːzd/
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
positionnounUS /pəˈzɪʃən/
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
rattleverbUS /ˈrætəl/
make short successive sounds
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
raw-boned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
replynounUS /rɪˈplaɪ/
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
riflesnounUS /ˈraɪfəlz/
plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
roarverbUS /rɔːr/
make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
sankverbUS /sæŋk/
inflected form of “sink” — fall or descend to a lower place or level
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
seekingnounUS /ˈsiːkɪŋ/
the act of searching for something
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
SeymournounUS /ˈsiːmɔːr/
Queen of England as the third wife of Henry VIII and mother of Edward VI (1509-1537)
From this reading "Devilish hot stuff, shrapnel," commented a brother officer as Major Seymour stopped at his side.
shelledadjectiveUS /ʃeld/
of animals or fruits that have a shell
From this reading Earlier in the day the Allies had been shelled out of an advance position by the enemy and had fallen back on the entrenchments.
shrapnelnounUS /ˈʃræpnəl/
shell containing lead pellets that explodes in flight
From this reading "Devilish hot stuff, shrapnel," commented a brother officer as Major Seymour stopped at his side.
sidenounUS /saɪd/
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading "Devilish hot stuff, shrapnel," commented a brother officer as Major Seymour stopped at his side.
SlowlyadverbUS /ˈsloʊli/
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
soughtadjectiveUS /sɔːt/
that is looked for
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
stationnounUS /ˈsteɪʃən/
a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
stoppedadjectiveUS /stɑːpt/
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading "Devilish hot stuff, shrapnel," commented a brother officer as Major Seymour stopped at his side.
stretchedadjectiveUS /stretʃt/
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
stuffnounUS /stʌf/
the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
From this reading "Devilish hot stuff, shrapnel," commented a brother officer as Major Seymour stopped at his side.
sullenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌlən/
showing a brooding ill humor
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
talladjectiveUS /tɔːl/
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
thenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
trenchnounUS /trentʃ/
a ditch dug as a fortification having a parapet of the excavated earth
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
VOIDadjectiveUS /vɔɪd/
lacking any legal or binding force
From this reading OUT OF THE VOID Slowly, the sullen roar of artillery, the rattle of Maxims and rifles sank fitfully away.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading A tall raw-boned major of artillery stretched his cramped limbs in the observation station, paused to look with callous eyes over the devastated fields before him, then sought the trench.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The Major nodded absently, and without further reply advanced a few paces to meet an ammunition corporal who was obviously seeking him.
