used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And as Helen and the others watched, the intention of the daring young performer became evident.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading And as Helen and the others watched, the intention of the daring young performer became evident.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
blazingadjectiveUS /ˈbleɪzɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
circusnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəs/
a travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
curvedadjectiveUS /kɜːrvd/
having or marked by a curve or smoothly rounded bend
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
daringnounUS /ˈderɪŋ/
a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
From this reading And as Helen and the others watched, the intention of the daring young performer became evident.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
enableverbUS /eˈneɪbəl/
render capable or able for some task
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading And as Helen and the others watched, the intention of the daring young performer became evident.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
firmly closed or secured
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
start firing a weapon
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
giganticadjectiveUS /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/
so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
the act of departing
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War
From this reading And as Helen and the others watched, the intention of the daring young performer became evident.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
hoopsnounUS /huːps/
a game played on a court by two opposing teams of 5 players; points are scored by throwing the ball through an elevated horizontal hoop
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading And as Helen and the others watched, the intention of the daring young performer became evident.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
Joe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
leathernounUS /ˈleðər/
an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
the force of workers available
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as Helen and the others watched, the intention of the daring young performer became evident.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
performernounUS /pərˈfɔːrmər/
an entertainer who performs a dramatic or musical work for an audience
From this reading And as Helen and the others watched, the intention of the daring young performer became evident.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
polenounUS /poʊl/
a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
slantingadjectiveUS /ˈslæntɪŋ/
having an oblique or slanted direction
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
slidverbUS /slɪd/
inflected form of “slide” — move obliquely or sideways, usually in an uncontrolled manner
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
slidenounUS /slaɪd/
a small flat rectangular piece of glass on which specimens can be mounted for microscopic study
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
not in physical motion
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
arousing affect
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading And as Helen and the others watched, the intention of the daring young performer became evident.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Though they were called "hoops," in reality they were not completely closed, there being a slight opening to enable them to be slipped over the slanting wire.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
wheelsnounUS /wiːlz/
plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
whirrverb
make a soft swishing sound
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
wirenounUS /ˈwaɪər/
ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
From this reading THE BROKEN BOTTLE So still was it in the big circus tent after the band stopped playing, while Joe prepared to do his head slide, that the whirr of the steel wheels in his leather cap could plainly be heard as he slid down the wire.
in the company of; together with
From this reading If a gigantic letter "C" with a long pole fastened to the lower curved part, can be imagined, it; will give an exact idea of what is meant.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading He was going to coast through the blazing hoops of fire which the men held in such a position that Joe could slide through them without touching them.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading And as Helen and the others watched, the intention of the daring young performer became evident.
