used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
be in accord; be in agreement
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
in addition
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
bivalvesnounUS /ˈbaɪvælvz/
plural of “bivalve” — marine or freshwater mollusks having a soft body with platelike gills enclosed within two shells hinged together
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
c-c-clams
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
confidentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnfədəntli/
with confidence; in a confident manner
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
d-diving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
state emphatically and authoritatively
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
a statement that represents something in words
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
dotnounUS /dɑːt/
a very small circular shape
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
DowdynounUS /ˈdaʊdi/
British marshal of the RAF who commanded the British air defense forces that defeated the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain (1882-1970)
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
examineverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/
consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
examiningverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
having an (over)abundance of flesh
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
past form of “gasp” — breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
I've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading WHAT OWEN KNEW.
long-shaped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
looky
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
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 "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
MaxnounUS /mæks/
street names for gamma hydroxybutyrate
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
musselnounUS /ˈmʌsəl/
black marine bivalves usually steamed in wine
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
OWENnounUS /ˈoʊən/
Welsh industrialist and social reformer who founded cooperative communities (1771-1858)
From this reading WHAT OWEN KNEW.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
pearlsnounUS /pɜːrlz/
plural of “pearl” — a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
prizenounUS /praɪz/
something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
promisingadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːməsɪŋ/
showing possibility of achievement or excellence
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
S-s-say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
s-sort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
Steve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
T-t-tell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
t-time
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
they've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
TobynounUS /ˈtoʊbi/
a drinking mug in the shape of a stout man wearing a three-cornered hat
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading "Well, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
(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, I declare, is that the kind of mussel they've been finding pearls in?" demanded Steve Dowdy, as he took one of the long-shaped bivalves in his eager hands, the better to examine it.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading WHAT OWEN KNEW.
at the time that
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
which person or people
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading "S-s-say, Max, why looky here, I've picked up these s-sort of c-c-clams many a t-time when d-diving."
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "They agree with the description to a dot," Owen replied, confidently; "and, to my mind, these seem particularly fat and promising."
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "T-t-tell me about that, now, will you?" gasped Toby, who was also examining a prize.
