Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

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

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

(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 All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

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

From this reading The next morning Richard was discharged from guard duty, and returned to the battalion.

aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

United States singer (1918-1990)

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

a building or group of buildings used to house military personnel

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies

From this reading The next morning Richard was discharged from guard duty, and returned to the battalion.

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

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading RICHARD BECOMES FIRST SERGEANT OF COMPANY D.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

past form of “bestow” — present

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading RICHARD BECOMES FIRST SERGEANT OF COMPANY D.

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

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading RICHARD BECOMES FIRST SERGEANT OF COMPANY D.

having lost your job

From this reading The next morning Richard was discharged from guard duty, and returned to the battalion.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading The next morning Richard was discharged from guard duty, and returned to the battalion.

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

divisible by two

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

opinion or judgment

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

come to understand

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading RICHARD BECOMES FIRST SERGEANT OF COMPANY D.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The next morning Richard was discharged from guard duty, and returned to the battalion.

plural of “glance” — a quick look

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading The next morning Richard was discharged from guard duty, and returned to the battalion.

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

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

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

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

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

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

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

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

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

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

a message received and understood

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

engage in

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

a particular point in time

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The next morning Richard was discharged from guard duty, and returned to the battalion.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The next morning Richard was discharged from guard duty, and returned to the battalion.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

come into possession of

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

held or filled or in use

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading RICHARD BECOMES FIRST SERGEANT OF COMPANY D.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

(nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

plural of “regulator” — any of various controls or devices for regulating or controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc.

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading The next morning Richard was discharged from guard duty, and returned to the battalion.

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

From this reading RICHARD BECOMES FIRST SERGEANT OF COMPANY D.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal

From this reading RICHARD BECOMES FIRST SERGEANT OF COMPANY D.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

finding a solution to a problem

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

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

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

past form of “tempt” — dispose or incline or entice to

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

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

From this reading The next morning Richard was discharged from guard duty, and returned to the battalion.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

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

From this reading The next morning Richard was discharged from guard duty, and returned to the battalion.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

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

From this reading The next morning Richard was discharged from guard duty, and returned to the battalion.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

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

From this reading From the moment he opened his eyes he carefully observed the actions of his companions, and even studied the glances which were bestowed upon him.

which person or people

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Among the boys there were several with whom he had become quite intimate, particularly Bailey, who occupied the next bed to his in Barrack B. So eager was he to fathom the mystery, that he was tempted to make some inquiries of them; but they might themselves be members of the Regulators.

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

From this reading All his watching seemed to be in vain, for he could not obtain a particle of information that would aid him in solving the mystery of the Regulators.