used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
(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 They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading “She sure is a hummer!” cried Harry, as he raced along beside Charlie Ford.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
next to; at the side of
From this reading “She sure is a hummer!” cried Harry, as he raced along beside Charlie Ford.
inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
the act of burning something
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
an occurrence of something
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
Charlie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “She sure is a hummer!” cried Harry, as he raced along beside Charlie Ford.
constructionnounUS /kənˈstrʌkʃən/
the act of constructing something
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
consumedverbUS /kənˈsuːmd/
past form of “consume” — eat up completely, as with great appetite
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading “She sure is a hummer!” cried Harry, as he raced along beside Charlie Ford.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
explosionnounUS /ɪkˈsploʊʒən/
a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
factoriesnounUS /ˈfæktəriz/
plural of “factory” — a plant consisting of one or more buildings with facilities for manufacturing
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
start firing a weapon
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
fireworksnounUS /ˈfaɪrwɜːrks/
plural of “firework” — (usually plural) a device with an explosive that burns at a low rate and with colored flames; can be used to illuminate areas or send signals etc.
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
flimsyadjectiveUS /ˈflɪmzi/
lacking solidity or strength
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
FordnounUS /fɔːrd/
United States film maker (1896-1973)
From this reading “She sure is a hummer!” cried Harry, as he raced along beside Charlie Ford.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
annoy continually or chronically
From this reading “She sure is a hummer!” cried Harry, as he raced along beside Charlie Ford.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “She sure is a hummer!” cried Harry, as he raced along beside Charlie Ford.
hummernounUS /ˈhʌmər/
a singer who produces a tune without opening the lips or forming words
From this reading “She sure is a hummer!” cried Harry, as he raced along beside Charlie Ford.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “That’s right!” joined in the red-haired lad.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading “That’s right!” joined in the red-haired lad.
a boy or man
From this reading “That’s right!” joined in the red-haired lad.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
likelihoodnounUS /ˈlaɪklihʊd/
the probability of a specified outcome
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
millsnounUS /mɪlz/
United States architect who was the presidentially appointed architect of Washington D.C. (1781-1855)
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
held or filled or in use
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
powdernounUS /ˈpaʊdər/
a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
racedverbUS /reɪst/
past form of “race” — move hurridly
From this reading “She sure is a hummer!” cried Harry, as he raced along beside Charlie Ford.
with speed
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
red-haired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s right!” joined in the red-haired lad.
precisely, exactly
From this reading “That’s right!” joined in the red-haired lad.
done under pressure
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
being or feeling set or kept apart from others
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “She sure is a hummer!” cried Harry, as he raced along beside Charlie Ford.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading “She sure is a hummer!” cried Harry, as he raced along beside Charlie Ford.
territorynounUS /ˈterɪtɔːri/
a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
That's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That’s right!” joined in the red-haired lad.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
in or at that place or location
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading For a few moments after the excitement caused by the explosion and fire, the five boys rushed on together, saying nothing.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
(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 They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Their eyes were fixed on the distant group of burning buildings, which, being of light and flimsy construction (as is always the case with fireworks factories and powder mills), were burning rapidly.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading They occupied quite an extent of territory, being well separated so that if one blew up or caught fire there would be less likelihood of all being consumed.
