used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading But this much is certain if you are going to experiment the right way you must know something about the right way to experiment.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading And if you know nothing of electricity, you are not likely to think out an improved electrical device.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And if you know nothing of electricity, you are not likely to think out an improved electrical device.
applyverbUS /əˈplaɪ/
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading But this much is certain if you are going to experiment the right way you must know something about the right way to experiment.
a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
dependverbUS /dɪˈpend/
be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
devicenounUS /dɪˈvaɪs/
an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
From this reading And if you know nothing of electricity, you are not likely to think out an improved electrical device.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
electricaladjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪkəl/
relating to or concerned with electricity
From this reading And if you know nothing of electricity, you are not likely to think out an improved electrical device.
electricitynounUS /ɪˌlekˈtrɪsəti/
a physical phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons and protons
From this reading And if you know nothing of electricity, you are not likely to think out an improved electrical device.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
EXPERIMENTnounUS /ɪkˈsperəmənt/
the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
experimentingverbUS /ekˈsperəmentɪŋ/
-ing form of “experiment” — to conduct a test or investigation
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
the act of departing
From this reading But this much is certain if you are going to experiment the right way you must know something about the right way to experiment.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
cause to move by striking
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
HOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
improvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvd/
made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing
From this reading And if you know nothing of electricity, you are not likely to think out an improved electrical device.
improvementnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənt/
a change for the better; progress in development
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
inventionnounUS /ˌɪnˈvenʃən/
the creation of something in the mind
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But this much is certain if you are going to experiment the right way you must know something about the right way to experiment.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading And if you know nothing of electricity, you are not likely to think out an improved electrical device.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading And if you know nothing of electricity, you are not likely to think out an improved electrical device.
any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
mechanicaladjectiveUS /məˈkænɪkəl/
using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
mechanicallyadverbUS /məˈkænɪkli/
in a mechanical manner; by a mechanism
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
mechanicsnounUS /məˈkænɪks/
the branch of physics concerned with the motion of bodies in a frame of reference
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading But this much is certain if you are going to experiment the right way you must know something about the right way to experiment.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading But this much is certain if you are going to experiment the right way you must know something about the right way to experiment.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
not any; not one
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading And if you know nothing of electricity, you are not likely to think out an improved electrical device.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading And if you know nothing of electricity, you are not likely to think out an improved electrical device.
principlesnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəlz/
plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
precisely, exactly
From this reading But this much is certain if you are going to experiment the right way you must know something about the right way to experiment.
plural of “right” — an abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading But this much is certain if you are going to experiment the right way you must know something about the right way to experiment.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading And if you know nothing of electricity, you are not likely to think out an improved electrical device.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But this much is certain if you are going to experiment the right way you must know something about the right way to experiment.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading But this much is certain if you are going to experiment the right way you must know something about the right way to experiment.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading No one should expect to work out to a successful conclusion a new machine or apply a new improvement to an old machine if he knows nothing of the _first principles of mechanics_ or _about mechanical movements_, and by rights he ought to have some knowledge of _machine design_.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading But, as good fortune would have it if you are not mechanically inclined you are not apt to hit upon a mechanical invention.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading HOW TO EXPERIMENT The kind of experimenting you will do will, of course, depend altogether on the nature of the invention on which you are working.
